A fake London tube sign, created using an online tube sign generator, has gone viral in the wake of yesterday’s terror attack on the capital. Its message of defiance and solidarity was even reported on the BBC, applauded in the House of Commons and reposted by journalists and MPs.
The sign, which looks as though it was written by London Underground staff, reads: “All terrorists are politely reminded that THIS IS LONDON and whatever you do to us we will drink tea and jolly well carry on thank you.”
Glad this is going viral. "Politely" pic.twitter.com/2aaN4aKv8A
— Amol Rajan (@amolrajanBBC) March 23, 2017
Love this message from tube staff: "This is London. And whatever you do to us we will drink tea and jolly well carry on." pic.twitter.com/b2mHGaiCe6
— George Freeman MP (@Freeman_George) March 23, 2017
Why we ❤️ London
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) March 23, 2017
- via @MalCPD #londonattack #WestminsterAttack pic.twitter.com/xvoXHWqkUK
The BBC’s Nick Robinson, the presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme who read it out this morning, later made clear the sign was fake but said the message still stands. Others also clarified their initial endorsements of the sign.
Well, you learn something every day. That lovely tube sign might be "fake" but the sentiment isn't for thousands sharing it @BBCr4today https://t.co/qrnD3JU9xW
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) March 23, 2017
It was later read out in the Houses of Parliament by MP Simon Hoare, to which Prime Minister Theresa May responded that it was a "wonderful tribute" which “encapsulated everything everybody in this house has said today.”
"This is London: Whatever you do to us, we will drink tea, and jolly well carry on" - MP reads #Westminster messagehttps://t.co/gz8TbgZyXn pic.twitter.com/wVqGXRep35
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 23, 2017
MPs applauding a fake tube sign. A 'wonderful tribute' says Theresa May about the fake tube sign.
— Olly Barratt (@ollybarratt) March 23, 2017
London Underground staff often write funny and inspirational messages on signs following tragedies and other big news events, which often find their way on to social media.
However, in 2015 Yorkshire-based developer Tim Waters created a fake Tube sign generator which many began using to circulate racist messages, thereby abusing the original intention of the signs, The Guardian reported. A lawyer for TfL asked Waters to take down the site but a similar one was set up soon after.
But there are still many London Underground staff who continue to write genuine uplifting messages in our Underground stations – and we love them for it. Here are some of the best ones spotted in the wake of Wednesday's tragic terror attack.
💔 Hard to write today. #Westminster #RIP #LondonIsOpen #LAS #LFB #metpolice #BTP #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/YVMiSwqXpu
— Tower Hill Station (@towerhilltube) March 23, 2017
Thursday 23rd March Thought Of The Day From Oval Station #IAmLondon #wearenotafraid #Ilovelondon pic.twitter.com/Jouvwb6JvG
— Oval Tube Station (@Oval_station) March 23, 2017
Love this sentiment at @Claphamnth tube station this morning. pic.twitter.com/PaEU5MQHOM
— Amit Bali (@amitkbali) March 23, 2017
Very poignant words at #Tooting Bec tube today. #LoveLondon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6h65dx9ws4
— Tooting About (@TootingAbout) March 23, 2017
This #LondonIsOpen artwork at Brixton tube station feels appropriate to share today. #LifeGoesOn #LondonGoesOn pic.twitter.com/ZEqln5DiEd
— Keith Bradnam (@kbradnam) March 23, 2017
Some light in the darkness from Canary Wharf Tube Station. Standing with my fellow Londoners today. #WeAreLondon pic.twitter.com/ExqXeUyvLk
— Dr Anna Tippett (@AnzTheLegend) March 22, 2017
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