LONDON – A multitude of demonstrators, bearing European Union flags, gathered in the heart of London on Saturday, fervently calling for the United Kingdom to reestablish its membership within the European Union.
The National Rejoin March (NRM) convened in close proximity to Hyde Park and was scheduled to culminate at the iconic Parliament Square, where sympathetic motorists enthusiastically voiced their support through resounding horn blasts. Protesters wielded placards emblazoned with messages such as “the road to rejoin the EU starts here” and “rejoin, rejoice.”
The NRM movement staunchly advocates for a resurgence of British participation within the EU, a union it exited following the affirmative outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum. The negotiated departure agreement, presided over by former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, officially took effect in 2021, with a scheduled review slated for 2025.
Peter Corr, the leader and co-founder of NRM, expounded on his motivation for orchestrating the march, citing a perceived sense of resignation among proponents of EU reintegration. Corr, a lorry driver hailing from the central English city of Derby, expressed his conviction that “Brexit was a monumental misstep, and we are all, particularly working-class and less affluent individuals, bearing the brunt of its consequences. We must take action.”
Meanwhile, opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer found himself compelled to repudiate claims that he harbored intentions of returning to the EU, following recent comments that provoked allegations from the ruling Conservatives of seeking to “undo Brexit.” Starmer adamantly asserted that there was no compelling rationale for revisiting EU membership, its customs union, or the single market.
Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, the fourth-largest political party in parliament, acknowledged a shift in public discourse, noting that discussions surrounding Europe were no longer prevalent on the doorstep. The Lib Dems had formerly committed to “halting Brexit.”
“We aspire for Britain to regain its position at the heart of Europe, but we must remain pragmatic in acknowledging that this endeavor will necessitate a considerable duration,” Davey conveyed ahead of his party’s annual conference on Saturday.
By AFP
