‘Emergency Brexit Stop’ button
Artist / Maker
Date
Use: 2019
Object Name
Inventory Number
C.2020.031.001
Physical Description
A red ‘Emergency Brexit Stop’ button with the words ‘Article 50 Revoked’ above it.
Content Description
On 23 June 2016, the British people voted in favour of the UK leaving the European Union in a referendum. The process that led to the UK’s departure from the EU was dubbed ‘Brexit’ (a portmanteau of ‘Britain’ and ‘exit’).
The ‘Emergency Brexit Stop’ button was produced by the team of former British MEP Antony Hook, as part of the campaign against Brexit.
Keywords
Exhibition Theme
5. Europe now -> 5.1. Headlines of our time -> 5.1.7. Brexit (not on display)
Material / Technique
Painted wood, metal parts and electric wiring
Dimensions
H x W x D 189,00 x 120,00 x 7,50 cm
Curator’s Note
Following the result of the referendum, the UK triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, setting in motion its departure from the EU on 31 January 2020, after 47 years of membership. For the first time in its history, the EU – a project shaped for and by growth – started shrinking rather than expanding.
The team of former UK Liberal Democrat MEP Anthony Hook created the red ‘Emergency Stop Brexit’ button. In 2019 and 2020, it was used as part of a campaign against Brexit in south-east England. After the withdrawal agreement came into force on 31 January 2020, the object was donated to the collection of the House of European History.
The House of European History has collected a variety of objects from the Remain and Leave campaigns, including personal memories, political symbols and protest materials – all of which represent diverse aspects of this historic event.
Inscription
Inscription
Article 50 Revoked
Emergency Brexit Stop
Credit line
Acquired 2020 from Antony Hook, former MEP to the EU, EP, House of European History, Brussels.
This entry about an object of the House of European History has been compiled and reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. We continuously endeavour to revise and improve our records. We especially welcome additional information from our visitors. Please contact us if you have any queries.
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