Expats join march for 'Final Say' in London
Bremain in Spain encouraged by government defeat in commons
BREMAIN in Spain members vow to fight on, after Boris Johnson's government fails to push through a timetable to pass his withdrawal bill in three days.
Sue Wilson, chair of the proEuropean group, said on Tuesday, “We were delighted that Parliament voted to prevent Johnson rushing through the WA (Withdrawal) bill without careful scrutiny and in a totally inadequate timeframe. In doing so, they have ensured that it's impossible for the Prime Minister to execute Brexit by October 31.
“We have been saying for many months that we were not leaving at the end of October, with or without a deal. Today Parliament made sure of that.”
Sue, who lives in Alcossebre, had travelled back to the UK last weekend to take part in the historic march in central London, while Parliament sat for the first time on a Saturday since the Falklands War.
An estimated one million people gathered in Westminster to demand a fresh referendum on Brexit.
Sue said, “The decision by the Prime Minister to call a ‘super Saturday’ parliamentary sitting the same day [as the march] ensured that unprecedented numbers of EU-based Brits attended the march. When booking their flights, little did the marchers know that Parliament would be voting on a newly secured Brexit agreement, or what the outcome of those parliamentary debates might be.
“To take part in such a huge demonstration of public feeling, and on such a historical day, is something we’ll never forget.
“We knew the day would be momentous, but we could never have foreseen the magnitude of Saturday's events. There was a real sense of trepidation that Johnson might pull off the seemingly impossible and get his deal through, but the Letwin amendment changed all that.”
Former Tory minister, Sir Oliver Letwin, tabled the amendment to Boris Johnson's Brexit deal requesting an extension in the case that the necessary legislation to pass the withdrawal bill had not been passed by October 31. The amendment passed by 322 votes to 306.
Amparo Torregrosa, a Spanish citizen living in Swindon, said, “The atmosphere around parliament, when the amendment result was announced, was incredible.”
Sue Wilson continued: “I've been on all the marches, but this was the most significant. It had the largest turnout and we were there watching history being made. Parliament was watching too. As were the EU.”
Sue has vowed to keep up the battle. She said, “We will keep fighting for as long as it takes. Johnson has already asked for a three month extension, albeit grudgingly, and the EU are not going to say no.”
She said that Tuesday's results were as expected and that she was not concerned about the first vote, the bill passing at the second reading, as the committee stage that follows allows amendments to be attached. She did, however, say that the customs union and confirmatory referendum amendments would be particularly significant.
Sue concluded: “A general election is becoming increasingly likely. Unfortunately, it won't resolve the Brexit question. It would be far better to have a referendum first, followed by an election. Either way, those of us that have lived in the EU for more than 15 years will again have to sit back and watch while others decide on our destiny.”
When asked why she was attending the London march, fellow Bremain in Spain member, Hilary Wass, who lives in Moraira, said, “I call myself a European and I cannot bear to stand by and watch my once-proud nation destroy itself.”
catherine@catherinedolan.net