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Rally in Bristol to call for a People’s Vote
Crowds from across Bristol and beyond will be rallying once more on Saturday – this time, to demand a People’s Vote on Brexit.
The majority in the city voted for Britain to remain a member of the EU in the June 2016 referendum and, since then, politicians and business leaders have issued increasingly urgent warnings about how the region will be affected if the government fails to negotiate a deal.
Now, campaigners calling for a People’s Vote are mobilising people en mass to make their voices heard.
is needed now More than ever
The rally will take place across all floors of the foyer of the Colston Hall, which is otherwise closed, and will feature speakers from four political parties, including Green Party MEP Molly Scott-Cato, Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable, Labour MP Stephen Doughty and Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston.
Molly Scott Cato is campaigning for a People’s Vote on Brexit.
Prior to the demonstration taking place at 12.30pm on Saturday, a group of young activists will be out in the city centre with a power washer and stencil to spread the message in ‘clean graffiti’ that they want to have a say over their future. The project is being coordinated by the local chapter of youth campaign group Our Future, Our Choice (OFOC).
The call to action comes in the wake of a recent poll that indicates there is strong appetite for a second referendum.
YouGov’s poll of more than 1,000 people living in the South West reveals that 42 per cent of voters want a People’s Vote on any final Brexit deal negotiated by the government, compared to 32 per cent who don’t.
But, if talks break down and the UK has to choose between staying in the EU or leaving without a deal, 47 per cent would support another vote on the matter, compared to 27 per cent who wouldn’t.
Peter Kellner, former president of YouGov, said: “Opinion is still very polarised, with big differences between the views of young people and older voters, but it is interesting to see how many Leave supporters have concerns about the possible impact of Brexit on their region.”
He added that the recent results will put pressure on politicians to support a People’s Vote.
OFOC co-president Lara Spirit added: “Bristol’s young people are going onto the streets to engage with their community. This is a movement about unifying the nation in the face of great social division, and young people are the instrument of that unification.
“We are here to demonstrate that there is a space for people of all ages to come together and express their desire for a People’s Vote in our campaign.”
For more information and to register, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-west-england-peoples-vote-rally-tickets-48367766291.
People from across the South West will gather to make their voices heard. (Photo taken at People’s Vote rally in June).
Main photos from a People’s Vote rally held in London in June.
Read more: Bristol City Council won’t lobby for ‘People’s Vote’ on Brexit
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