In one of the most memorable moments in the British Parliament recently, Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde decided not only to raise the issue of the local pier’s fate but also to demonstrate his dedication to the place – through a tattoo. During a discussion in the House of Commons, he invited Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy to personally take a look at his tattoo depicting Eastbourne Pier, which caused a burst of laughter among the MPs.
A Tattoo as a Symbol of Attachment
Josh Babarinde, born and raised in Eastbourne, has always emphasized his connection to the town. His tattoo is not just an image on his skin but a true manifesto of love for the place that has become part of his identity. The image depicts the famous pier, which has served as a symbol of the town for decades, a place for meetings, celebrations, and even romantic dates.
“I literally have it on me,” Babarinde told Lammy. “It’s part of our heritage, part of our economy, and part of me.” This approach to expressing civic duty – through the body – is becoming increasingly common in modern culture, especially among politicians seeking to show the sincerity of their feelings.
The Pier Under Threat: Why It Matters
Behind the joke lay a serious issue. The pier operator, Lions Pier Ltd, received a winding-up order on May 12, 2026, according to Companies House documents. This caused alarm among local residents who fear the pier could be closed or even dismantled due to financial problems.
Babarinde launched the “Protect Our Pier” campaign, calling for urgent measures to preserve the landmark. He pointed out that the maintenance costs for piers across the country have reached unprecedented heights, and without government support, many of them could disappear forever.
Lammy’s Reaction and the Atmosphere in Parliament
David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, reacted with humor: “I never thought I’d be invited to look at someone’s tattoo in Parliament.” Despite this, he acknowledged that Eastbourne Pier is a “beloved and iconic local landmark” and promised to consider the issue of its preservation.
After the session, Babarinde did indeed show his tattoo to Lammy – it’s on his forearm, making the moment even more accessible and less intimate. A photograph of this moment was posted on social media and quickly went viral.
Tattoo Culture in Politics: A New Trend?
This case is not the first time politicians have used tattoos as a communication tool. In recent years, more and more MPs and officials have openly displayed their tattoos, turning them into symbols of personal values, political beliefs, or regional identity.
In the context of tattoo culture, this can be seen as an evolution: from hidden, personal symbols to public statements. A tattoo ceases to be just an adornment – it becomes part of the political narrative, a way of saying, “I am here, I belong to this place, and I am ready to fight for it.”
What’s Next?
Josh Babarinde plans to continue his campaign to protect the pier, including meetings with local residents and lobbying at the government level. His tattoo, which has become an unexpected symbol of the movement, is now attracting interest not only in Eastbourne but also in Westminster.
“When I got this tattoo a few years ago, I didn’t think it would become so famous,” he admitted. “But now I can’t walk through town without someone asking to see it.”
This case shows how body art can become part of the political discourse, uniting the personal and the public, humor and seriousness, the local and the national. And perhaps it is precisely such moments that bring politics closer to the people.