THE Dulwich Despatch Summer 2023
The Coronation Blues
Jenson Leung (Y7) reflects on the historic event The King ’ s Coronation has gone and passed (thankfully). From it costing the British public an estimated 100 million pounds to people arrested for protesting peacefully on the sidelines, let us look at how badly this disgraceful event went … When the Coronation started, there were visible crowds of people,
with a particular group in yellow. The anti - monarchy group ‘ Republic ’ was hosting a peaceful and coordinated protest in Trafalgar Square. Ironically, prior to any active protest taking place the police had made several arrests under the New Public Order Bill 2022, introduced by the tyrannical Tories. This Act introduced new vague and undefined police and government powers to clamp down on any protests – including by one person. This is not only confusing but can be seen as a deterrent to individuals trying to speak up and use their voices. Freedom of speech is a basic human right therefore to silence it is a violation of the UN Charter. The Coronation cost approximately £100 Million while the cost - of - living crisis could be seen visibly nearby in Whitechapel, a far cry from the pomp of the coronation. There are many people who are currently struggling with the cost of living and are frankly unable to feed themselves and their families, there have been many stories where families have to decide between eating or staying warm. Alongside ‘ representing the people ’ the Monarchy must ‘ serve ’ society through a crisis, not splurge millions of taxpayers' money so that they can play dress up and flaunt around in a gown and crown (that is also stolen). Speaking of crowns, the High Commissioner in India has already started legal proceedings to retrieve the Koh - I - Noor diamond that was fraudulently taken from India in 1849. Rightfully some Indians took offence at viewing a historically prized possession being paraded around internationally. Not only was offence caused but a grave inconvenience for everyday working people who cannot afford to take time off work. We should reflect on the failures of the British Royal family; and as we move on from the Coronation, we should try our very best to be a proper democracy, and hope that this Coronation will be the last.
Goodbye from Jenson!
Intrepid Dulwich Despatch journalist Jenson Leung is leaving Dulwich College for the bright lights of Dubai. He will be much missed and the Despatch Team meetings will be spookily quiet without him! “ Writing for the Dulwich Despatch has been a pleasure, from having an angry debate with the monarchist, and having a look back at Liz Truss ’ s time in office. My four years in Dulwich have been spectacular and I wish everyone the best of luck for the future. I look forward to reporting as the Dulwich Despatch ’ s first Foreign Correspondent! ”
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