Forsaking a change in circumstances, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union will happen on 31 January. Those who oppose Brexit, who consider it catastrophic, are planning a series of protests to roll out in London.
Natacha Andueza Bosch
On 23 June 2016, a referendum took place to decide whether the United Kingdom should remain in the EU. Voting to leave were 52% of voters, while 48% voted to remain.
Around 30 million people placed their vote, of whom 17.4 million opted for Brexit.
From that moment, in reaction to a result seen as unfavourable by some, grassroots organisations have been created to fight against leaving the European Union and to campaign for remain. North East for Europe (NE4EU) is one such organisation. It is formed of citizens from the UK’s North East and campaigns against Brexit by organising various protests and events.
It’s worth noting that Newcastle was one of the places where the majority of voters were in favour of remaining, but the North East as a region voted to leave.
Therefore, this group of protestors fighting for workers’ rights in the UK’s North East is also running a campaign to maintain a solid relationship with Europe once the connection between the UK and the EU has been severed.
One iteration of this fight will take place on Friday 31 January, during a day of protests called “NE4EU at London Brexit Day Protests” organised by NE4EU, which will carry on until the morning of 1 February.
Firstly, members will congregate in Richmond Terrace opposite Downing Street at 2:30 pm to begin a procession, accompanied by music and songs, that will head towards the European Commission by St. John Smith Square.
In the evening, between 8:30 pm and 12:30, will be an event called “A night of demonstration for liberty and Europe”, where people will gather to demonstrate for freedom and understanding.
Finally, at 10:30 pm, there will be a rally organised by EUouth called “Rally to rejoin the EU”, staking a future where the UK will be able to rejoin the union without delay.
To get through this day of protests for Brexit, ending after midnight, North East for Europe has arranged the logistics so that anti-Brexiters can participate throughout the day. Time and place: A Night of Demonstration for Liberty and Europe, Friday 31 January, 8:30 pm to 12:30 am. Parliament Square, London, SW1A 2, United Kingdom.
Rally to rejoin the EU, Friday 31 January 22:30 to 23:59. College Green, Abingdon St, SW1W 9 London, UK. For more information about the event click here, or visit North East for Europe.
(Translated by Elizabeth Dann – Email: elizabethdann@blueyonder.co.uk) – Fotos: Pixabay