Huhne backs 'Keep Britannia' coin campaign

10.41.01am GMT Fri 22nd Feb 2008

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne today threw his support behind a national campaign to keep the iconic image of Britannia on the fifty pence coin.

The image of Britannia was first created by the Romans as a personification of the British Isles over 2,000 years ago. It has appeared on a British coin since 1672 when it appeared on a copper farthing during the reign of Charles II.

In plans personally approved by Gordon Brown in one of his last acts as Chancellor the image is set to be scrapped by the Royal Mint in April.

Mr Huhne said:

"Britannia has been an enduring symbol of British pride and history for millennia. Despite professing his Britishness Gordon Brown does not seem to understand the importance of our historic symbols. It would be a crying shame if the image of Britannia on our coins was lost for future generations".

"Britannia is particularly important to us in Hampshire because she symbolises so much of the naval and military tradition for which our county is famous".