BORIS Johnson backed Britain's Beefeaters – after The Sun revealed they are facing "unprecedented" job cuts because of Covid-19.

The iconic Yeoman Warders, who guard the crown jewels at the Tower of London, are facing lay-offs for the first time since they were founded in 1485.

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Bosses at the UK’s biggest visitor attraction said they had “no choice” but to let staff go, after the lockdown left them staring at a £100 million black hole.

The PM’s spokesman said: “We recognise the important role which the Beefeater guards play in the UK's rich cultural history.

"They are a valued part of the Tower of London and will continue to be part of the Tower's story in the years to come.”

The 37 Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, are all military veterans with at least 22 years’ service.

They live in the Tower grounds with their families.

John Barnes, head of Historic Royal Palaces, a charity that runs the Tower, said: “We are heartbroken that it has come to this.

"We simply have no choice but to reduce our payroll costs.”

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