The so-called ‘National March for Reintegration’ started from Hyde Park, moved through the streets of central London and ended in a demonstration on Westminster Square, the square in front of the British Parliament building.
“We are going to hold a demonstration every year until we return to the EU. Many people who voted for ‘Brexit’, such as farmers and fishermen, have regretted it and I believe this movement will continue to grow,” said Agência Lusa co-founder of ‘March for Rejoin’, Lee Rudd.
One of the speakers, Belgian MEP Guy Verhofstadt, justified his presence with the need to “send a signal that Europe is waiting for Britain”, denying British fatigue in Brussels.
The former Belgian Prime Minister admitted to Lusa that British public opinion on the EU is still ‘volatile’, but believes that ‘there is a strong feeling that Brexit has not worked’.
A survey by the company We Think estimated that 62% of Britons would vote in favor of joining the EU, compared to 38% who would prefer to stay out, but other surveys indicate a smaller difference between the two camps.
Eric, a young protester with his face painted completely blue and decorated with yellow stars, told Lusa that the demonstrations are important to “get the message across to politicians.”
Friend James is aware that “it will take some time” for Britain to fully rejoin the EU, but believes there will be a gradual rapprochement over the years.
“We recently joined the Horizon and Copernicus programs and at some point it will be the Erasmus program and the EFTA (European Free Trade Association). It will be gradual until it makes sense to join again,” predicted he.
The United Kingdom’s departure from the EU was decided by 52% of voters in a referendum in 2016 and was formalized on January 31, 2020.
Today’s pro-EU demonstration was used by groups of several dozen people to convey other messages, such as criticism of the tax on the most polluting cars in London (ULEZ), vaccines and the announced ban on dogs ‘American bully XL ‘ .
Source: DN
