Catalogue Number
NMLH.2021.112
Object Name
Banknote
Title
Bank of Brexitlies
People
Boris Johnson
Michael Gove
Jacob Rees Mogg
Events
Brexit
Date
June 2016
Description
A fake £350 million banknote, made during the time surrounding the UK referendum on membership to the European Union (EU). Fake banknotes have often been used to mock politicians and satirise political messages. This banknote was made by the campaign to remain within the EU, and features Boris Johnson's face photoshopped onto the Queen's body, mimicing the £10 note. Text at the top reads "Bank of Brexitlies. I promise not to pay to the NHS the sum of Three Hundred & Fifty Million Pounds". This is a reference to a statement made by Boris Johnson who famously told the public that leaving the EU would mean an extra £350 million a week would be given to the National Health Service. Cursive text towards the bottom of the note reads "promises, promises, promises", implying that Johnson can not live up to his claims. The note is in shades of red and in the style of a £10 note, with small red print at the bottom reading "Johnsun, Goofe, and Rees-Mugg of the Bank of Brexitlies June 2016", referencing Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, and Jacob Rees-Mogg, the MPs who led the leave campaign.
The back of the bank note reads "The cost of Brexit" in bold black letters at the top, followed by information about the threat Brexit poses to the UK economy. Designed by Dick Daniel, the banknotes were made and distributed by Bath for Europe, a group who campaigned for the UK to remain within the EU. Bath for Europe's contact details can be found at the bottom of the note. This fake banknote was distributed on protests and rallies calling for Britain to remain in the EU ahead of the referendum. It is estimated over 60,000 copies were distributed.
