| Pro-Brexit protesters take part in the March to Leave demonstration, in London, Britain March 29, 2019 |
Thousands of people opposed to Britain delaying its departure from the European Union marched through central London on Friday as the government scrambled to salvage its Brexit plan.
On the day that Britain was originally meant to be leaving the EU, large groups gathered in bright sunshine outside parliament waving Union Jack flags and chanting, “Out means out” and “Bye, Bye EU”. Many held signs accusing Prime Minister Theresa May of treachery.
Amid a heavy police presence, some blocked the road outside parliament, shouting “we will not be moved” and “what do we want? Brexit? When do we want it now? Now.”
Protesters led by Nigel Farage – the politician widely thought to have done more than anyone else to spook Britain’s then government into agreeing to hold a referendum on membership of the bloc – will address the crowd later after lawmakers vote on a stripped-down version of the government’s twice-defeated Brexit divorce deal.
Farage, former leader of the United Kingdom Independence Party, is due to speak at a “Brexit Betrayal” event as part of the culmination of a 270-mile (435 km), two-week march from Sunderland, northeast England, to London.
“What should have been a celebration is in fact a day of betrayal,” Farage told Reuters. “There will be a lot of anger. I certainly have never known a time in my life when people have said such rude things about the political class, about the government.”
As the United Kingdom’s three-year Brexit crisis approaches its finale, it is still uncertain how, when or even if it will leave the EU. Supporters of Brexit fear it will be thwarted by a political elite that was broadly opposed to leaving.
People gathered at Bishop’s Park on the bank of the River Thames, many carrying Union Jack flags or placards that read “Leave now” and “Honour the vote!” to march about four miles towards parliament.
Among them was David Malindine, 63, a retired teacher, who was preparing to march through what he called the ‘Remain’ capital of Britain.
“We need to remind the country that the majority of people voted ‘Leave,’” said Malindine. “This was the day we were supposed to leave, and Brexit has been betrayed.”
Leave activists were due to speak at a separate meeting being cast as “a make Brexit happen” rally in Whitehall near May’s office in Downing Street.
Many of the marchers predicted the political elite will be punished if it fails to fully sever ties with Brussels.
Andy Allan, 58, who was carrying a red and white St George’s flag, predicted that there could be unrest modelled on the “yellow vest” protests that have rocked Paris for the last few months if Britain fails to leave the EU.
“It is absolutely disgusting what is happening,” he said. “Be warned – this is just the beginning of a mass uprising if we get betrayed by the politicians.”
About a mile away, people were gathering for a competing counter march.