MPs' fury as 'Festival of Brexit' rebranded with no mention of leaving the EU

21 October 2021, 17:50 | Updated: 23 October 2021, 07:29

The festival was created as a celebration of the UK's independence from the EU
The festival was created as a celebration of the UK's independence from the EU. Picture: Alamy/59 Productions/The Poetry Society/Stemettes

By Daisy Stephens

The event, dubbed the 'Festival of Brexit', has been officially named 'Unboxed: Creativity in the UK', in an apparent move to distance the celebrations from the UK's departure from the EU.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the planned programme of events, running from March to October 2022, would be a celebration of the "ingenuity, energy, innovation, optimism" of the UK, and branded the festival "fantastic".

"Today, we are launching our fantastic new festival – Unboxed: Creativity in the UK," he said.

"A celebration of UK ingenuity, energy, innovation, optimism and all-round creative genius, it will be unlike anything else that has been seen before.

Read more: Ali Harbi Ali charged with terrorism-related murder of MP Sir David Amess

Read more: Health Minister: 'Go ahead' and book Christmas parties but come forward for booster jab

"Light shows, sculpture trails and a festival of ideas are just some of the spectacular events that will take place in locations across the UK – alongside work and experiences you can interact with digitally."

He added: "From the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 2022 is going to be a year of celebrating the UK at its best."

Brexit represents 'self-sabotage', caller tells LBC

The festival, previously known officially under the working title of Festival UK 2022, was originally created to celebrate the UK's future outside the EU.

It will receive £120 million of Government funding.

Read more: Raab: Bring in prisoners to solve HGV driver shortage, not 'cheap' foreign workers

Read more: MPs face 'substantial' threat in wake of Sir David Amess stabbing, Priti Patel says

Ten projects will take place over the seven month period at different locations across the UK, drawing in creative people "across science, technology, engineering, arts and math", according to Martin Green CBE, the Chief Creative Officer of Unboxed.

"Unboxed represents an unprecedented and timely opportunity for people to come together across the UK and beyond and take part in awe-inspiring projects that speak to who we are and explore the ideas that will define our futures," added Mr Green.

Irish politician attacks Lord Frost's 'lousy' Brexit speech

Furious MPs have hit out at the decision to omit any mention of the word 'Brexit', with Tory MP for South Thanet Craig Mackinlay saying it was "a great opportunity missed".

"What could have been a great celebration of global Britain post-Brexit has now been Whitehall sanitised down into something anodyne and meaningless," he told the Telegraph.

Read more: Police probe suspected needle spiking attacks - with dozens reported in one area

Read more: Donald Trump launches 'Truth' social media platform after exile from Twitter and Facebook

Conservative MP for Clwyd West David Jones also said it was a missed opportunity.

"Brexit is the rebirth of the UK as an independent nation," he told the paper.

"It is something that we should be celebrating and this is a huge opportunity to do so."

He added a number of other MPs would want to 'take it up' with Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who said Unboxed was about ensuring everyone had the "opportunity to experience world-leading arts and culture no matter what their background or where they’re from".

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Four girls suffer 'potentially life-changing injuries' during visit to UK fast-food restaurant

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks speaks for the first time

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks breaks silence 20 years on

Police Line Do Not Cross ribbon on a London street following a suspected bomb reported in the area.

Schoolgirl, 10, dies after being bitten by family dog in North Yorkshire as police launch launch investigation

WATCH: Three family members of Sara Sharif were arrested at Gatwick Airport for her muder

WATCH: Moment police board plane and arrest fugitive family of schoolgirl Sara Sharif on suspicion of murder

Craig pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual offences against a teenage pupil

Ex-teacher jailed after he 'groomed' and sexually assaulted pupil in classroom cupboard

A 22-year-old woman died from a stab injury at Spenlow House on Jamaica Road, Bermondsey

Boy, 17, jailed for stabbing woman, 22, to death in 'laughing gas-fuelled row' on Christmas Eve

Jackie Scully will trek 100km across the Sahara desert to mark 10 years since she was given the all-clear

Breast cancer survivor to trek 100km across Sahara desert to mark 10 years since getting all-clear

Flooding And Heavy Rain In Valencia Region Of Spain

What we have seen in Spain these last days is a preview of the future if we do not take action on climate change

Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader

New Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says 'huge job' ahead involves 'people we want to bring back to Conservative Party'

Janey Godley has died at the age of 63

Scottish comedian Janey Godley died in hospital 'surrounded by her loved ones' aged 63 following battle with cancer

Exclusive
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci says 'garbage' comments made at Trump rally have 'lit up' Puerto Ricans - and could swing election

billy nighy

Billy Nighy 'stole complete works of Shakespeare from library' to prepare for drama school audition

v

Winner in Conservative leadership contest to be announced this morning

Palma is on lockdown amid warnings of heavy rain

Majorca on lockdown as tourist hotspot faces flooding horror after storm kills more than 200

UK GP visiting senior woman at home

Care homes and GPs could face closure under Labour tax plans, health leaders warn

Rebekah Vardy 'threatens to reignite war with Coleen Rooney'

Rebekah Vardy launches appeal against Wagatha Christie £1.8m costs ruling