The first budget of the new Labour government has been met by anti-monarchy protests this morning.

Prior to the budget, at 7.30am, activists unfurled a banner on Westminster Bridge, reading ‘CUT THE HALF BILLION ROYAL BUDGET’.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves then passed by anti-monarchy protestors on her way to parliament to announce the budget.

Republic, who organised the ‘Day of Action’, were calling on Rachel Reeves to cut the royal budget instead of public services.

A recent report detailed that the monarchy now costs taxpayers over half a billion pounds a year.

Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said today:

"Rachel Reeves has insisted she must take tough decisions and rein in spending."

"Yet, the royals aren’t affected by this. They’re given half a billion pounds per year, which Reeves has refused to cut in the Autumn Budget."

"That’s why Republic activists took action today, arguing that the public shouldn’t have to face cuts to their services while royal spending spirals out of control."

"It’s time to cut the half billion royal budget, not our public services."

“We want the monarchy gone, but right now we want the cost slashed to less than £10m a year.”

PHOTOS and VIDEOS are available here.