THE Scottish Greens have called for the monarchy to be abolished ahead of a pro-Republican event in the capital.
The Republic Day demonstration, organised by anti-monarchy campaign group Our Republic, will take place on Saturday at Calton Hill between 2pm and 4pm.
Speakers at the event include National columnist Lesley Riddoch, poet George Gunn, SNP MSP Emma Roddick, Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman and Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie.
Harvie said that while people were experiencing widespread inequality through the cost of living crisis and the UK Government’s cuts to disability benefits and the Winter Fuel Payment, the royal family has “never had it so good”.
The Scottish Greens co-leader added that Scotland has the potential to be an “modern independent democratic republic”, and that the powers of independence would help to tackle such inequality in society.
“Our society is experiencing widespread inequality, with the cost of living crisis continuing to push many to the brink. However, it seems the royal family has never had it so good.
“The taxpayer-funded sovereign grant rises year on year. They don’t pay capital gains tax, they don't pay corporation tax and they’re exempt from stamp duty. They have received millions of pounds of income in rent from the NHS, schools and the armed forces for operating on the vast swathes of land that they own.
“It is completely at odds with the struggles faced by some of our most vulnerable communities. We should not have a system that only benefits the super-rich, while leaving the rest of us to pick up the bill.
“The monarchy is a profoundly outdated and undemocratic institution. We must have a serious conversation about the country we see ourselves as.
“The idea that we should show this preference for one unaccountable family, who take far more from society than they give, is the exact opposite image of Scotland I would like to see. I believe we can do so much better for the people living in our country.
“Scotland has the potential to be a modern independent democratic republic. It can be a greener and fairer country that redistributes the wealth hoarded by monarchy and the rest of the super-rich, and uses it to the benefit of the many people who are struggling.
“Ultimately, it should be the people of Scotland who are sovereign and I will continue to make the case that with the powers of independence we can tackle the profound inequality that is highlighted by the lifestyle that the royals enjoy.”
