
A Dutch politician is using an unusual method to urge its citizens to prepare for the looming Brexit deadline – a giant, blue Muppet-style monster sprawled across a desk.
The bizarre picture was tweeted by foreign minister Stef Blok, and warned:
Make sure Brexit doesn’t sit – or lie – in your way.
The foreign minister of The Netherlands decided that Brexit is an oversized blue monster in a white t-shirt with the word ‘Brexit’ stamped on the front.
In the photo, the giant blue monster is spread across a table as Mr Blok looks at it with a distinct expression of confusion.
We feel it.
He also put a link to an official website where Dutch firms can have a look at the potential impact of Brexit on their businesses.
Lots of people thought Blok’s use of the giant blue monster was innovative. Inspired, even.
And so, 'Brexit Muppet' was born.
@CitySamuel A giant muppet is a fairly apt personification of Brexit.— Dan Bratton (@Dan Bratton) 1550219686
Astrophysics professor Dr Anna Watts tweeted: ‘Omg this really is for real. A Brexit Muppet. Lordy I love the Dutch.’
People are here for it.
Omg this really is for real. A Brexit Muppet. Lordy I love the Dutch. https://t.co/oJswLOGHN5— Prof Anna Watts (@Prof Anna Watts) 1550132561
@ministerBlok Hell of a lot more creative than anything the U.K. government has produced...— Kim (@Kim) 1550170206
@ministerBlok I need that Costume, to run round London in. 😂🤣— David Preston (@David Preston) 1550144747
I’m certain Britain pioneered the unveiling of a hairy Brexit monster. The Dutch have simply updated the creative. https://t.co/vFs28bXK38— Chris Duncan (@Chris Duncan) 1550218720
Project Fur: Dutch unveil big blue Brexit monster https://t.co/L4RmypO9Rc— Chiara A (@Chiara A) 1550218922
It served to bring some levity to the situation.
@ministerBlok https://t.co/20HLjIy0JE— S! (@S!) 1550172988
Others thought Blok's portrayel of Brexit is pretty accurate.
@ministerBlok Very appropriate to portray #Brexit as a blue monster. It is entirely the creation of the British… https://t.co/QYNF0EFmD0— T.A. Gilbert (@T.A. Gilbert) 1550148107
And they are calling it Brexit's unofficial mascot.
The Dutch have a mascot for Brexit. The government introduced a fluffy, blue monster to educate citizens on the UK’… https://t.co/3tLYL59Lcc— Project Counsel Media (@Project Counsel Media) 1550219799
@ministerBlok best mascot to represent the #brexit chaos ever brave to the dutch— Karthic Sinnadurai (@Karthic Sinnadurai) 1550182485
The muppet is a representation of Dutch fears around Brexit and the unknown after Britain spent more than two years negotiating the best deal for its departure from the European Union.
Theresa May suffered yet another disappointing Brexit defeat this week after Eurosceptic Conservatives refused to back a motion reiterating support for the prime minister’s negotiating strategy with the EU. The PM faced backlash from Tory backbenchers who fear that she would use it to rule out a no-deal Brexit, which is seeming more likely each day.
One leading Tory had described the night – and the 258 votes to 303 loss – as a ‘fiasco’ and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said the country was heading for a ‘catastrophe.’
The prospect of Britain leaving the EU has shaken many EU member states, and the Muppet is part of the Dutch government’s ‘Brexit Loket,’ or Brexit information desk, which provides information and business resources about the impact of Brexit.
‘Brexit is not only on the desk of the Dutch minister, but it is something that everybody has to deal with,’ said Dirk-Jan Vermeij, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is essential that entrepreneurs prepare for all Brexit scenarios, including no-deal.
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