The Red Rebel Brigade took to the streets of London to protest at 10 Downing Street, beseeching Boris Johnson and his government to stop obsessing over Brexit after being fired into action by the newly launched and uncompromising portrait by Ralph Steadman of the Prime Minister on the cover of the Big Issue for the #BorisBigIssue campaign.

It’s a campaign we couldn’t stay away from: full to the brim with passion, anger, a desire for justice and some of the most striking visuals we’ve seen in a while.

Stopping traffic and escorted by police officers and squad cars, the unannounced parade by the silent campaigning group – accompanied by a naked man covered only by a shroud and a copy of the Big Issue – drew crowds of thousands who witnessed them offer a copy of the Big Issue to those at the gates of 10 Downing Street. 

With over 320,000 homeless in the UK ignored by Boris Johnson and his cronies, the Red Rebel Brigade’s powerful statement forced London to stop and take notice of their protest as they paraded slowly and somberly to Trafalgar Square, providing a powerful physical demonstration of silent protest – a juxtaposition to Boris’ usual bluster. 

The #BorisBigIssue campaign is drawing the nation’s focus on the growing numbers of homeless and vulnerable in the UK. While the headlines focus on Brexit, real people are suffering and Beau Kerouac’s campaign with the Big Issue and Ralph Steadman, Gonzo artist, is changing that. Ralph’s uncompromising portrait of Boris Johnson – the spark of the Red Rebel Brigade’s protest – is available to win by anyone posting a photo of the magazine with the hashtag #BorisBigIssue online.

Beau Kerouac, Conceptual Artist and Campaign Originator: 

“This striking protest was a dramatic demand on the people supposedly governing this country. When a naked and barefoot man walks through our capital’s streets to highlight the vulnerability of the homeless around the country, it’s time for Boris and his friends to sit up and take notice. The Red Rebel Brigade’s peaceful walk is in stark contrast to the anger that so many feel. 

“It’s time for Boris to focus on the people struggling to feed their children, heat their homes, and keep themselves off the streets. While Boris decides turning up to a press conference is too much effort, how can we expect him to hold out a hand to lift up the oppressed? We have a #BorisBigIssue in this country, and we need to wake up to that so the most vulnerable won’t be left behind.”

Brexit is conveniently obfuscating debate and attention from other issues that are impacting on the UK. From homelessness to library closures, food banks to climate change, affordable housing to public transport. A report referenced in the Daily Mirror revealed that Hillingdon – in Boris’ own constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip – is in the top ten worst places for homelessness. The problems in Boris’ own backyard are being lost in the noise of Brexit. 

An estimated 320,000 people are homeless in the UK, according to research by Shelter – that’s the equivalent of making Coventry homeless. With 14.2 million people in the UK population living in poverty, according to a report by the Social Metrics Commission, it’s likely that the number of homeless will increase as both Brexit and a recession appear more likely. 

Those wanting to contribute to the movement and join the campaign can show their support in several ways:

All proceeds go to The Big Issue to continue their outstanding work with homeless and vulnerable people around the UK. 

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