Duke of York defends bankers' bonuses

The Duke of York today defended bankers over their bonuses in a newspaper interview.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, he said that excesses should be got rid of, "but don't throw the baby out with the bath water".

Andrew told the newspaper: "I don't want to demonise the banking and financial sector. Bonuses, in the scheme of things, are minute. They are easy to target. A number will have abused their privilege of a bonus, so get rid of the excesses, but don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

The Duke - Britain's special representative for trade and investment - also expressed concern about effects on Britain's 112,000 non-domicile residents from the Government's intention to close tax loopholes.

He asked: "Will it have an effect on the public purse as to be valid, or will it have a detrimental effect for the UK in the long run?"

He also urged the Government and public to be more vocal in their support for troops fighting a "difficult" war in Afghanistan.

The Duke, who was a Fleet Air Arm helicopter pilot in the Falklands conflict, said the soldiers wanted to know the leadership was interested and concerned in their welfare.

"They are being remarkably more successful at it than is being adequately communicated."