BREXIT: THE FALLOUT
BREXIT CONTINUES TO DIVIDE WEARSIDE AS ARTICLE 50 IS TRIGGERED
Campaigners have called for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union to be ditched on the day the Brexit process has been triggered.
About 100 people gathered outside Sunderland Winter Gardens and Museum with banners and placards as the NE4EU event was staged as its members oppose the decision to leave the EU.
Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday handed a letter to the European Council’s president Donald Tusk, formally signalling the country’s intention to exit through Article 50.
In addition to calling for a second referendum once an agreement is drawn up, the regional campaign group has expressed fears about what the move could mean for the region.
Across the country, 52% of voters opted to back the leave campaign and in Sunderland 61% of people supported the call.
The campaigners include Liberal Democrat and Green Party members, residents and students and academics.
They say “the Prime Minister does not speak for us” and warn there will be “Bregret” over the decision.
The group, formed after the June 23 result, has said it also has “sympathisers” from the Labour and Conservative parties.
Greg Stone, a Lib Dem councillor in Newcastle who helped organise the Wearside protest, said: “There are increasing concerns and remainers were against the result of the referendum and a lot of people in the North East voted to remain – Newcastle voted to,” he said.
“We feel it’s very important people’s voices are still heard in a democracy as far as Article 50 is concerned, and we are very worried about what this means for our region.
“We believe leaving the EU will be very damaging for trade, for jobs and for society.
“We want to show that not everyone is in support of what the Government is doing and there are a substantial number who are concerned as it makes the case going forward, and we say there should be a second referendum.”
Gatherings are planned at a series of town halls across the region for 6pm today, where hands will be held between supporters as they signal their “show of solidarity” for Britain to remain in the EU.
Mrs May told MPs the Government was acting on the democratic will of the British people with the “clear and convincing” support of Parliament by taking Britain out of the EU in what was one of “the great turning points in our national story”.
She issued a plea for “unity” following last year’s divisive referendum, so the nation can “together build a stronger, fairer, better Britain”.