Fake tube sign read out on BBC News and in Commons after Westminster attack

A London tube sign with a defiant message for terrorists that went viral in the wake of Wednesday’s attack on Westminster was created by an online tube sign generator and never existed in a London underground station.

Yet that did not stop the sign being shared and disseminated as though it had been written by London Underground staff. It was read out by Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4’s flagship news programme Today.

Before midday it was even discussed in parliament when it was read out by MP Simon Hoare. Theresa May called it “a wonderful tribute” which “encapsulated everything everybody in this house has said today.”

The sign read: “All terrorists are politely reminded that THIS IS LONDON and whatever you do to us we will drink tea and jolly well carry on thank you.”

The sentiment was shared by thousands – including journalists and MPs.

Many of them, including Robinson, later clarified it was fake, but said the sentiment stood:

The sign generator was created by Yorkshire-based developer Tim Waters. In 2015, he was asked by a lawyer from TfL to take down the website because the organisation was concerned it was being used to circulate racist messages.

A mirror site was set up not long after, which states the site is no longer associated with Waters.

After big news events, such as the murder of Jo Cox and the 2015 attack at Leytonstone tube station, underground staff often write encouraging messages on announcement whiteboards. On Wednesday and Thursday, plenty of these were spotted by commuters:

This is not the first time a fake sign made by the online generator has been shared widely. It also happened with a fake sign featuring the popular hashtag #YouaintnoMuslimbruv, which trended after the stabbing at Leytonstone tube station.