Banksy's Royal Courts of Justice Mural Costs Taxpayers Nearly £150,000

Three Banksy artworks have cost UK taxpayers almost £150,000 in cleaning and security, with the bill expected to rise. The largest expense is the mural on the Royal Courts of Justice in London, painted on 8 September 2025, which has incurred over £85,000 in removal efforts and security. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spent £50,000 attempting to remove paint from the Grade II-listed building on Carey Street, plus £35,300 on overtime and security. The mural depicts a judge battering a protester with a gavel, and Banksy claimed it on his website and Instagram. The spending was disclosed via Freedom of Information requests to the BBC, reigniting debate on whether Banksy's work is vandalism or public art. HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) stated they are obliged to maintain the building's original character. The Metropolitan Police confirmed an ongoing investigation for criminal damage, with no arrests yet. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy condemned the act, while art critic Estelle Lovatt defended it, citing tourism benefits. Cleaning efforts using laser technology are ongoing, and a Listed Building Consent application has been submitted for railings. Previous works also incurred costs: a statue in Waterloo Place cost Westminster City Council nearly £60,000, and a piranha fish painting on a City of London Police sentry box cost £2,200 to remove. The sentry box will be displayed at the London Museum in November.