Royal Jewels Smothered in Protest: Activists Demand ‘Tax the Rich’ at Tower of London
London, UK – December 6, 2023 – In a shocking act of protest, activists affiliated with the group ‘Take Back Power’ targeted the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London today, covering the display case with custard and apple crumble. The incident, which occurred earlier this afternoon, has prompted a police response and a temporary closure of the “House of Jewels,” but thankfully, authorities confirm the historical artifacts themselves were unharmed. This is the latest in a series of increasingly bold demonstrations by the group, signaling a growing frustration with economic inequality in the UK.
What Happened at the Tower of London?
According to reports from The Independent and confirmed by Historic Royal Palaces, two protesters launched the food-based assault on the display case protecting the Crown of the British Empire. Footage released by ‘Take Back Power’ shows one activist dramatically unveiling a large tray of apple crumble, smashing it against the protective glass. Simultaneously, another demonstrator repeatedly poured bright yellow custard onto the front of the case. Activists displayed T-shirts bearing the slogan “Let’s take back power!” and chanted, “Britain is broken. We have come here to the nation’s treasury to take back our power!” A sign reading “Democracy has collapsed – tax the rich” was also prominently displayed.
Four individuals were detained by police in connection with the incident, facing charges related to property damage. The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracting over 3 million visitors annually, has reopened the rest of the complex, but the Jewel House remains closed while a thorough cleaning and security assessment are conducted.
‘Take Back Power’: Who Are They and What Do They Want?
‘Take Back Power’ is a relatively new activist group gaining notoriety for its direct action protests. They advocate for a significant increase in taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations, arguing that the current system exacerbates inequality and undermines democratic principles. This incident follows a previous protest where the group targeted the Ritz Hotel, depositing bags of manure near its Christmas tree – a symbolic gesture aimed at highlighting what they perceive as the excesses of the elite.
The Crown Jewels: A History of Resilience
The Crown Jewels aren’t just glittering symbols of monarchy; they represent over 800 years of British history. The collection, housed in the Tower of London since the 17th century, has survived numerous attempts at theft and destruction. During World War II, the jewels were secretly hidden to protect them from potential Nazi invasion. This latest incident, while disruptive, is unlikely to diminish their historical significance. The jewels themselves are insured, and Historic Royal Palaces has robust security measures in place. However, the protest does raise questions about the vulnerability of such iconic symbols to increasingly radical forms of activism.
Beyond the Crumble: The Growing Debate on Wealth Inequality
The protest at the Tower of London isn’t an isolated event. It’s part of a broader global conversation about wealth inequality and the role of taxation in addressing it. Recent reports from organizations like Oxfam and the Resolution Foundation highlight the widening gap between the richest and the poorest in the UK. The debate centers on whether current tax policies adequately redistribute wealth and provide sufficient social safety nets. While the tactics employed by ‘Take Back Power’ are controversial, they’ve undeniably brought this critical issue into sharper focus. The incident is likely to fuel further discussion about progressive taxation, wealth taxes, and the future of economic fairness in Britain.
This act of protest, while visually striking, serves as a potent reminder of the deep-seated frustrations felt by many regarding economic disparities. As the debate surrounding wealth distribution continues to intensify, expect to see further demonstrations and calls for systemic change. Stay tuned to archyde.com for ongoing coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the issues at play.
Image Placeholder: Exterior view of the Tower of London.
Image Placeholder: A view of the Crown Jewels on display.
