Tens of thousands of Londoners plan to attend a second anti-Brexit march after a rally in Trafalgar Square went ahead last night – despite organisers saying it was cancelled.
Some 32,000 people have already expressed an intention to attend the new rally outside Parliament on Saturday to protest against the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
Organisers axed last night’s gathering in Trafalgar Square at short notice over safety fears but huge crowds of people turned up anyway, including Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.
Protesters flooded the area clutching pro-EU placards and singing chants as they sheltered from the rain beneath umbrellas.
More than 50,000 had accepted an invitation to attend but organisers scrapped the event saying they could not ensure the safety of so many people turning up to the square.
A message on the Facebook page for the new rally titled Anti Brexit March said it was organised “to replace the deleted event”.
It reads: “We can prevent Brexit by refusing to accept the referendum as the final say and take our finger off the self-destruct button.
“It is the responsibility of parliament to consider our democracy more carefully and call for a vote before they all accept the UK's decline.
“Let's not leave the next generation adrift. We can provide the ammunition parliament needs to reason their way through this mess and reconsider Brexit, if we make a stand!
“The power is still with the people and we can change things if we are organised and passionate in our response. Let's unite the remain voters and those who regret their vote to leave. Let’s turn this on its head.
“Dump work, cancel your shopping trip, bring your afternoon get togethers to the streets!
“Let’s march, let’s protest, and let’s stop Brexit!
The new event has sparked a mixed reaction from Facebook users.
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While some congratulated organisers for arranging a new protest, others have suggested it is time to move on following the decision to leave the EU.
One man posted: “The decision has been made by the majority of people that don't want to be part of the EU... I'm one of them. Just because you've not got the vote you wanted, organising a March isn't going to solve it.”
Another man posted: “The majority spoke. You’re wasting your time and money.”
