News / Politics

Rees among speakers at Bristol’s latest anti-Johnson rally

By Ellie Pipe and Martin Booth  Tuesday Sep 3, 2019

As news emerged that Boris Johnson had lost his majority in the House of Commons, scores of people once again took to the streets of Bristol to protest against his “smash and grab on democracy”.

Marvin Rees broke off from a cabinet meeting at City Hall to address the crowd on College Green, with speakers also including Bristol’s Green Party leader Eleanor Combley and James Meadway, a former advisor to shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

Bristol has already hosted two major ‘stop the coup’ rallies since the prime minister announced his intention to prorogue Parliament just days after MPs return to Westminster, but the appetite to speak out against his actions appeared undiminished.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Pro-EU stickers and posters featured heavily at Tuesday’s rally organised by The People’s Assembly Against Austerity, which also saw strong Labour and Green party contingents, and a few homemade signs with choice words about Johnson.

After the speeches in front of City Hall, demonstrators made their way on foot through the city centre to Broadmead and Cabot Circus.

Rally co-organiser Darran McLaughlin, a Labour council candidate for Bishopston & Ashley Down ward, who was wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘Fuck Boris’ on, said: “We have got to get this oligarchy out.”

Speeches took place in front of City Hall

Protesters young and old attended Tuesday’s rally on College Green

Karen Passmore of Bristol’s Disabled People Against Cuts was among the speakers

Protesters marched through the city centre after the speeches on College Green

Read more: Thousands join Bristol rally against suspension of parliament

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning