Catalogue Number
NMLH.2024.23.3
Object Name
placard
Title
'I am the sole living specimen of the Gallus Chickenix Corbynus'
Place
London, UK, EU
People
Jeremy Corbyn
Events
Brexit Referendum
Description
White placard with writing: 'I am the sole living specimen of the Gallus Chickenix Corbynus' (continues in fake Latin).
This placard, largely written in fake Latin, lists perceived characteristics of Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour Party leader. Among the accusations are claims he is pro-terrorism, antisemitic and a traitor. It was used at pro-Brexit demonstrations during the negotiations between the UK government led by Theresa May, and the European Union, following the UK's vote to leave the EU. The placard was held by a protester wearing a mask of Corbyn's face. The protester was dressed in a chicken costume - implying that Jeremy Corbyn was a chicken for voting against isolationist Brexit policies on economics and immigration.
The UK voted to leave the European Union following a referendum on June 23rd 2016. Negotiations on how the two parties would work together following this, took years to conclude before the UK formally left the EU in 2020. The length of the negotiations, and perceived concessions/conformity to EU rules by Theresa May's negotiators led to the end of her premiership in 2019 after her deal was rejected by Parliament three times.
