COACHLOADS of Southampton residents travelled to London to take part in a massive anti-Brexit protest.
Organisers say at least 670,000 people turned out for the People's Vote march, making it the biggest anti-Brexit demonstration since the referendum in 2016.
One coaches from Southampton was funded by TV historian Dan Snow, who lives in the New Forest.
Protesters told of virtual gridlock on the streets of London as they called for a final say on Brexit.
The demonstration set off from Park Lane and finished in Parliament Square where celebrities and politicians including Conservative MP Anna Soubry, Labour's Chuka Umunna and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable made speeches.
Ms Soubry said: "We are winning the argument, most importantly against those who voted leave."
Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston said the protest meant anti-Brexit campaigners can "no longer be ignored", adding that a second referendum could result in another leave vote but "we need to be given the chance to see it".
"Let people weigh up the pros and cons of the actual deal or no deal and then they can give their informed consent."
Lord of The Rings actor Andy Serkis attended the rally with his wife and son, and described it as "one of the most, if not the most important march of a generation".
Other famous faces included TV presenter Richard Bacon, entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden, comedian Jenny Eclair and Holby City actors Catherine Russell and Hugh Quarshie.
Calls for a referendum on the final Brexit deal has been backed by a Hampshire council.
Eastleigh Borough Council members voted to pledge their support to the People’s Vote, following a motion at a meeting of the full council.
As reported, campaigners are calling on Parliament to demand a say on the final Brexit deal. It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May attended a Euro summit this week where Brexit talks continued to stall.
But Eastleigh South councillor Alex Bourne, who put forward the motion to the borough authority, argued that much has changed since the original referendum in 2016.
He added that, although the constituency voted to leave the European Union by 52.5 per cent to 47.5 per cent, residents have told him – and other councillors – that with all the information that has since come to light, they wish to remain.
The motion was passed by 35 votes to four – with only the authority’s Conservative members voting against the plans.
“I think it’s an excellent decision by the council,” said Cllr Bourne.
“There has been a change in opinion in Eastleigh, and speaking to residents, there has definitely been a shift towards wanting to remain in the EU.
“Now that the severe consequences have been revealed and how it will effect residents of Eastleigh.
“I am very please that as a council we have supported the People’s Vote.”
Council leader Keith House added: “All evidence is that Brexit will cost jobs in all our communities, push up prices and hit hardest those people that have had the toughest time with forced austerity.
“It is right that Eastleigh Borough Council speaks up for local residents and demands our Members of Parliament put their voters before the internal party political battles in Westminster.”
Local Conservative MP Mims Davies said: “I regularly hear from constituents and engage with them on their varied and strong views around Brexit, and appreciate why they may be choosing to march or are keen to leave, but ultimately we are leaving in March 2019 and delivering on the Referendum result.
“Having met regularly with constituents and businesses over this, I know that many are keen to know that we are working to give them certainty through this exit process, and that requires the Government’s focus also on delivery of a good future trading relationship.
“That’s why this week I question why only 4 Liberal Democrat MPs turned up to Monday’s key EU Update Statement by the Prime Minister in Westminster.
"Clearly while the Liberal Democrat Councillors locally wish to use up Council time to discuss their national policy on Brexit, their national colleagues don’t have the time nor the interest to attend key statements on the same issue.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel