REMAINERS TAKE TO STREETS IN PROTEST
PRO-EUROPE activists took to the streets to demand a vote on the final Brexit deal. Dozens asked for signatures on Cardiff’s Queen Street yesterday as part of a UK-wide demonstration. It came ahead of the launch of a People’s Vote campaign, calling for Britain to hold a ballot on the final deal for the UK’s departure from the European Union.
“It’s great to be out here in Cardiff with other pro-Europeans campaigning for a say on the final deal,” said Cardiff for Europe chairman Helen Wales.
“With Brexit turning out to be much more complicated and costly than people were told during the referendum, a people’s vote on the final Brexit deal would be fair and democratic.”
The campaigner was tired of people claiming that requesting a vote was undemocratic and against the will of the people.
“You don’t have a general election and sit back and let them do what they want,” she said.
“You keep challenging and keep asking questions.
“The vast majority of people today have been really supportive.
“We have had people come over and say they want to know more and sign the petition and want to engage.
“The most negative response you get is, not today because we have only just started, is from people saying, ‘It’s a democracy, what don’t you understand?’
“That is what this is about, what Cardiff for Europe is about. It is about keeping the discussion and debate going and raising awareness of the issues.”
As well as the Cardiff event, demos were held across Wales, including in Swansea, Rhyl and Penarth.
Barrister David Hughes, a Cardiff for Europe member, said: “There is no real plan, it seems to me, about what is going to happen. There is a lot of wishful thinking and no plan.
“Brexit is going to disappoint at least half the people who voted for it.”
What was being asked for was “something that a leaver could sign up to”.
“At least one person who was a leaver has signed our petition today,” David said. “Today is not about stopping Brexit.” It was about telling Theresa May the country does not have to accept “whatever rubbish” she comes up with.
The day of action was organised by the European Movement, Open Britain and Britain for Europe, with more than 100 events planned across the UK, from Aberdeen to Falmouth.
Thousands of activists will be taking part, with 500,000 leaflets being handed out and more than 100 street stalls set up.
James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: “Our largest-ever National Day of Action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one unified voice, because we know that together we are stronger.”
James MacCleary, campaign director of European Movement UK, said the proEuropean movement was “gaining in strength and momentum”.
“That progress will be reflected this weekend with a huge demonstration of grass-roots power in favour of a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal,” he said.
Britain for Europe vice chairman, Anne Weyman, said: “We may come from different political parties, and different groups, but we are united by our desire for the people to have their say on the Brexit deal and we are determined to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear.”