Jeremy Corbyn raged at Britain’s “grotesquely unequal society” hours before the King’s Coronation. The former Labour leader, a life-long republican, fumed that “wealth, status and power” is “in the hands of a few”.
Mr Corbyn, who currently sits as an independent MP following an antisemitism row, said: “We live in a grotesquely unequal society that concentrates wealth, status and power in the hands of a few.
“Real patriotism is about building a society that cares for each other and cares for all.”
Mr Corbyn’s tweet comes hours before Charles is set to be crowned alongside Camilla at Westminster Abbey.
Labour MP Clive Lewis also took to Twitter this morning to share a clip slamming the pomp and pageantry.
He said: “Our monarchy isn’t a social glue. Rather it is a gilded veneer that makes grotesque disparities of wealth and power seem normal.
“Just like the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes, when you watch the golden carriage, the pomp and the splendour, see it for what it is.
“Or rather what it isn’t. Ask yourself, can you really afford not to care.”
In stark contrast, Rishi Sunak last night hailed the Coronation as a “moment of extraordinary national pride.
In a message on the eve of the historic ceremony, the Prime Minister said the Coronation is not simply a “spectacle” but a “proud expression” of British history.
He said: “The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be a moment of extraordinary national pride.
“Together with friends from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we will celebrate the enduring nature of our great monarchy, its constancy, devotion to duty and service to others.
“No other country could put on such a dazzling display – the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies and street parties.
“But this is not just a spectacle. It’s a proud expression of our history, culture, and traditions.
“A vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country and a cherished ritual through which a new era is born.
“And a cherished ritual through which a new era is born.
“In the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned for almost a thousand years, representatives of every faith will play a central role for the first time.”
Mr Sunak said that the fact “people across our country will help their communities with thousands of acts of kindness” was a “fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean age”.
He added: “So let’s celebrate this weekend with pride in who we are and what we stand for. Let’s look to the future with hope and optimism.
“And let’s make new memories, so we can tell our grandchildren of the day we came together to sing: God Save The King.”
