PHILIP HAMMOND is set to announce the minting of a special 50p coin to commemorate the UK’s victory in leaving the EU during his annual Budget speech later today, it has been reported.
Currently, the Royal Mint advisory committee has been asked to create the coin’s design which will likely be signed off later this year.
The phrase “friendship with all nations”
Speaking to the Sun, a source close to Mr Hammond said: “It’s an historic moment which will rightly be commemorated.”
It is believed the announcement is an attempt by Mr Hammond to try to win over pro-Brexit Tory MPs who have hit out at him and the Treasury for being pessimistic about leaving the EU.
Yesterday, the Brexiteer Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg said the Treasury is a “bastion of Remoanerism”.
However, it is said the new coin was being developed secretly months ago, prior to the campaign by Tory MPs over the summer for the commemorative money to enter circulation.
Currently, the Royal Mint advisory committee has been asked to create the coin’s design which will likely be signed off later this year.
The phrase “friendship with all nations” is the preferred choice for the reverse side by ministers.
The coin is expected to be popular with leave voters and Mr Hammond is hoping that it will reinforce optimism for the UK’s new opportunities following Brexit.
On the head, the coin will bear Brexit’s date surrounding the Queen.
The Royal Mail has continued to refuse to make a commemorative stamp for Brexit, claiming that it is still too politically controversial.
In 1973, another 50p coin was made to mark the UK’s entry into the European Economic Community.
Another one was made for the 25th anniversary of the UK’s joining of the EU in 1998.
Two more coins were made this year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding as well as the Royal Air Force centennial.
Source: Express.co.uk
