Businessman hits back at council by funding new ‘Bollocks to Brexit’ billboards

Charlie Mullins, who owns Pimlico Plumbers, had previously accused Lambeth council of trying to stifle freedom of speech when it contacted him asking to remove the sign above his store.

The council denied trying to censor the contents of the sign but had issues with the erection of a large billboard which did not relate to his business.

Help Me Spread 'Bollocks To #Brexit' Message Across the Capital & Beyond - It's Definitely Not a Done Deal!https://t.co/36NlF6vy2E

There are 22 digital sites across London, all screaming #BollocksToBrexit - See if you can spot any, and help me spread the message! pic.twitter.com/DHiaaCkeuh
— Charlie Mullins OBE (@PimlicoPlumbers) October 9, 2018

Mullins said that the threat of Brexit had very clear implications for his business meaning it was relevant, and has now ramped up his fight both against the removal of the sign and against Brexit by funding adverts on digital billboards across London.

He is encouraging other businesses to follow suit as a way to speak out against Brexit.

Mullins said: ‘We are in the final weeks of a fight that will determine the future of the United Kingdom and will influence the lives of our children and grandchildren, long after most of us are long gone.

‘This is why I will not rest until I have done everything I possibly can to stop Brexit, and I would urge everyone, especially businesses, who have the slightest concern about the road we are about to travel down to say, ‘Bollocks to Brexit’ and add their voices to the growing rage.

‘Everybody can play a part, and that means abandoning silence and speaking out. Posters, Billboards, the side of buildings or vehicles, whatever way they can be heard.

‘For my part I have taken our ‘Bollocks to Brexit’ message to the streets of London, with the 22 digital posters after the huge wave of support we have had from London commuters to our giant sign perched on top of our London HQ, just outside Waterloo Station.

‘It’s not a done deal; it can be stopped and the more people who stand up against it the better chance we have to see it off.’

The following areas are now displaying the electronic billboards:

• Kingston

• Chiswick

• New Kings Road

• Fulham Broadway

• Swanson Way

• Clapham Junction

• Kings Road

• Cromwell Road (three signs)

• Holland Road

• Notting Hill Gate

• Kensal Rise

• Swiss Cottage

• Finchley Road

• Grays Inn Road

• Pentonville Road

• Shoreditch High Street

• Bethnal Green Road

• The Highway

• Tower Bridge Road

• Peckham High Street

The local council told The New European that it had sent an informal email to the boss to discuss options for the sign above his store in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

A spokesperson said ‘if the sign does not have ‘deemed consent’, the options would be to remove it or submit an application to retain it. We have asked the company to confirm their position.’