Thousands of people demonstrated on Saturday (23) in London, in order to reintegrate the United Kingdom into the European Union. The movement is expected to increase pressure on political parties to reverse Brexit.
The so-called National Reintegration March started from Hyde Park, passed through the streets of central London and ended with a massive rally in Westminster Square, the square in front of the British Parliament building.
“We will hold a demonstration every year until we return to the European Union. Many people who voted for Brexit, such as farmers and fishermen, have expressed their regret about it and I believe this movement will continue to grow,” the co-founder said. This was stated by Lusa’s agency from March for a comeback, Lee Road.
One of the speakers, Belgian Member of the European Parliament Guy Verhofstadt, justified his attendance by the need to “give a signal that Europe is waiting for the United Kingdom,” denying fatigue in Brussels with the British.
The former Belgian Prime Minister admitted to Lusa that British public opinion on the European Union remains “volatile”, but he believes that “there is a strong feeling that Brexit has not succeeded.”
Estimates of a poll conducted by We Think indicate that 62% of Britons will vote in favor of reintegration into the European Union, compared to 38% who prefer to remain outside it. However, other polls indicate a smaller difference between the two camps.
Eric, a young protester whose face is painted entirely blue and decorated with yellow stars, told Lusa that the demonstrations are important “to get the message across to the politicians.”
Friend James recognizes that “it will take some time” for the UK to return to the EU fully, but he believes there will be a gradual rapprochement over the years.
“We have recently joined the Horizon and Copernicus programmes, and at some point it will be the Erasmus program and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It will be gradual until it makes sense for us to become a member again,” he predicted.
Referendum
The decision for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union was taken by a 52% majority of voters in a 2016 referendum and was formalized on 31 January 2020.
The pro-EU demonstration was used by groups of a few dozen people to convey other types of messages, such as criticism of the tax on London’s most polluting cars (ULEZ), vaccines and the announced ban on American bully dogs.
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