Independent writer Femi Oluwole sparked a storm of angry reactions after suggesting the Royal Family should say they would pay for the Jubilee themselves and then donate the money that would have been spent on the Jubilee to the UK advice. As thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years on the throne, many more were left with a bitter taste in their mouths at the amount spent as struggling families have to choose between eat or heat their homes.
Mr Oluwole said: ‘Can you imagine if the Royal Family said ‘Because people are literally starving right now, we are going to pay for the Platinum Jubilee with our own private fortunes and donate all the money that would have been spent on us, at the UK’s poorest councils?
“What a wild gesture!”
Many irate royal fans pointed to the money that would be brought to the economy by the Jubilee events, while saying the Queen’s “wonderful service” to the UK deserved celebration.
One said, “I don’t think you quite get it, do you? We celebrate every 70 years of Her Majesty’s wonderful service to our country.
“At the same time, the Platinum Jubilee is bringing millions of pounds to the UK economy – small businesses, pubs, restaurants etc. Wake up!”
Another added: “Why should they? Our history and our monarchy bring millions to this country.
“Why should we say ok let’s pay people who can’t move their ass and work and give to them!” You really have no idea about this country, do you? »
Some were more supportive, however, with one saying: “Exactly, I’m not against people celebrating, but it’s the £££ that’s spent on it.
“Taxpayers’ money, my money, I want it used to shut down food banks and help those struggling with rising costs. It’s simple.”
Mr Oluwole then responded to the critics by adding: “Aahh and here are the enraged royalists…
“They claim that the jubilee doesn’t cost that much…
“As if that wasn’t another argument for why the Queen SHOULD do the above.”
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The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) submitted evidence to the DCMS Select Committee inquiry into major cultural and sporting events in May 2021, saying: “The government recognizes the importance and the value of hosting major events and is investing almost £1 billion in hosting celebratory events to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Festival UK 2022 (the Festival) next year.
This led many to believe that £1bn is being spent on the Platinum Jubilee, but another cost breakdown by DCMS explained that £28m would be spent on the Jubilee – a figure later confirmed by the RIshi Sunak’s 2021 budget, in which he earmarked £28million for the celebration.
Final costs can only be established after the event has taken place.
The DCMS also provided a breakdown of the economic impacts of the Jubilee weekend.
He said his best estimate was a drop in GDP of £2.39 billion.
This figure takes into account the loss of economic output due to the additional holiday, as well as output that will likely be gained in areas such as hospitality and tourism.
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This blow to the economy comes as inflation soars, causing severe damage to household budgets across the country.
A study by the Yorkshire Building Society recently revealed that 61% of children aged 11-18 worry that their parents or guardians don’t have enough money to survive.
Meanwhile, teachers’ unions have written to the Chancellor and Education Secretary calling for free school meals to be provided to all children in families on Universal Credit in England, saying they are already seeing the effects the inability of these families to afford to feed their children.
According to Which?, 57% of households have had to make adjustments to cover the cost of basic necessities in the past month, while around two million households have missed a housing, bill, credit card payment or loan at the same time.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that the Queen will not be attending a service at St Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow as she suffered discomfort following her balcony appearance at Trooping the Colour.
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Source: www.express.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-02 20:33:00