Statement from the National
Rejoin March The National Rejoin March organisers are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. We would like to express our condolences to her family and to join in the nation’s mourning at this very sad time.
As a mark of respect for Her Majesty, we have taken the decision to postpone the march that was to be held on Saturday (10 September). We would like to thank everyone who has supported the march, which will be rescheduled to a date that will be published as soon as possible.
Like so many, I literally gave my life up to stop the travesty of Brexit from well before that vote in 2016. Along the way I met many like-minded people from all over the country but particularly right here in the West Midlands.
As people plan to demonstrate outside Parliament, this time campaigning to rejoin, I went off to get reacquainted with old friends from across the West Midlands and beyond and ask why now is the time to march again.
Herefordshire for Europe
Richard Jones told Central Bylines, “Herefordshire for Europe is taking part alongside other groups from all over the country to show the breadth of dismay at the damage being caused by Brexit. There is pollution in the River Wye. Farmers and small businesses, young people, musicians and other creative artists who cannot move freely within the EU, many people in their daily lives, all face rising costs.
“As the evidence of the damage mounts, our street stalls and Brexitometer opinion polls in Ledbury (twice), Hereford (three times), Ross on Wye (twice), Leominster, Bromyard and Kington, all held since last September, have been opportunities to discuss its effects – across a county which voted heavily in favour of Brexit – and show supporters that we have not gone away. The march is well timed to make the same point to our political leaders as a new prime minister takes over and before the party conference season.”
Worcestershire for Europe
A spokesperson for Worcestershire for Europe commented, “Other nations would be on the streets every day if they had been sold such a dog’s dinner as Brexit so there are countless reasons for marching on 10 September. Every day we are reminded of the loss of opportunity to live and work in Europe, the utter chaos caused to trading and traffic because of leaving the single market, threats to the Good Friday agreement and the demise of power and reputation of our once great country. We should not forget of course the erosion of our environmental standards now that the ‘nasty’ EU can’t tell us not to fill the sea with sewage. ‘Sunlit meadows’ our PM promised. More like a gloomy pit.”
Banbury 4 Europe
Though not strictly West Midlands, many West Midlands members will travel via Banbury. I asked Matt Hodgson from Banbury4Europe who simply told Central Bylines:
“I’ve run out of words to say on the subject. Brexit has already damaged our economy, farming, fisheries, rivers, beaches, small and large businesses, and more. To quote Professor A C Grayling, Brexit is reversible. It can be reversed in 5-6 years. It is defeatist (& unfounded) to talk of ‘decades’ & ‘generations’ – that’s what the Brexiters want, in hopes of entrenching divergence from our friends & kin in the rest of Europe. Fight to get back our rightful place. Therefore, as soon as possible is the time to Rejoin.”
EU in Brum
Finally, we spoke with Tom Pratt from EU In Brum who told us, “Pro-Europeans have been waiting patiently for a long time to make our voices heard, and as a new prime minister enters office, it’s really important to make whoever wins the leadership contest, and the rest of the country, aware that there are a significant number of people who abhor Brexit, the damage it’s done already, and is likely to do in the future, and who dearly want to see the UK’s trajectory changed.
“The cost of living crisis will affect everyone in the country, and Brexit has to be seen as a big cause of its development. Everything seems to be falling apart, and it stems, in my view, from Brexit. We must work towards rejoining the EU, no matter how far away that prospect may seem.”
In case you fancy joining some like minded people marching for rejoin which is arguably inevitable in time, then please see the following links, even if you have never marched before, as soon as you get on that coach or train I can guarantee you will be welcomed.
We will never stand down. I was born European and I will die European.
Coach and other transport details:
- EU in Brum coach link
- Stratford4Europe coach link
- Transport from Malvern
- Transport from Worcester
- Herefordshire for EU
Banbury 4 Europe will be letting the train take the strain on the 9:10 train from Banbury to get to Park Lane for around 10:45 and will congregate at Wellington Arch. Look out for the Banbury for Europe placards! This will be a great train to get for anyone else using the Chiltern Line into London meaning you know there will be other like minded Europeans to join up with.
