Eastbourne Pier Campaign Takes Parliament Twist As MP Offers To Show Tattoo In Commons

(c) Josh Babarinde/x.com

A politician campaigning to protect Eastbourne Pier has joked he could show off his tattoo of the landmark during a House of Commons session, as concerns grow over the future of the historic seaside attraction.

Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions, suggesting he could reveal his body ink of the East Sussex pier to Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy as part of his campaign to protect it.

The Grade II* listed structure is at the centre of growing uncertainty after a company linked to its ownership was placed into compulsory liquidation.

Mr Babarinde, who describes himself as “Eastbourne, born and bred”, said the pier is not only a key part of local heritage but also central to the town’s identity.

He told MPs:

“It’s an iconic part of our heritage, our local economy and me – I literally have it tattooed and can show the deputy PM afterwards.”

He added that, on a more serious note, residents have become increasingly concerned about the pier’s future, while maintenance costs for piers across the country continue to rise.

He urged the government to support his “Protect Our Pier” campaign and meet with him to discuss possible emergency safeguarding measures.

The MP has also launched a petition calling for ministers to work with communities, heritage organisations and stakeholders to explore ways of supporting historic pleasure piers like Eastbourne’s.

Eastbourne Borough Council says it is monitoring the situation closely, with its priority being to ensure the pier remains open for residents, visitors and local businesses.

The pier itself, which dates back more than 150 years, was previously badly damaged by fire before being purchased in 2015 by businessman Sheikh Abid Gulzar.

He is the sole director of Lions Pier Limited, the company now in liquidation according to Companies House records.

Gulzar is due to stand trial in November after denying multiple fraud charges relating to water bills at hotels he owns in East Sussex.