Catalogue Number
NMLH.2026.8
Object Name
beer mat
Title
Don't get cross
Place
Britain
People
UKIP
Description
Maroon coloured beer mat with a picture of Britain in the middle. Britain is being attacked by a giant, pale blue, octopus, which is grinning. The octopus's head has the stars of the EU flag on it, and 'BRUSSELS' written across it. Each arm of the octopus has a different complaint: Corruption, EU Constitution, Unfair Competition, EU Laws, Political Correctness, EU Taxes. In the top right hand corner text reads 'Don't get cross PTO>>>'. The reverse of the beer mat has text reading 'Get even! Use your X to vote UKIP and help get your country back'.
Found in pubs, likely during the run up to the 2005 general election, during which UKIP used the imagery of an octopus in their party political broadcasts. UKIP won 2.4% of the vote and no seats.
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