Trafalgar Square Brexit protest: tens of thousand to attend London Stays rally on Tuesday

Remain campaigners were left dejected after the result was announced
Kevin Coombs/Reuters
Jamie Bullen27 June 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Tens of thousands of Londoners are set to pack into Trafalgar Square to show “London stands with Europe” after Britain’s dramatic decision to leave the EU.

Nearly 24,000 people have accepted an invitation to the rally at the central London landmark on Tuesday, called London Stays, while more than 45,000 have declared an interest in going.

The event was up by digital producer Jessica Rodgers as a show of solidarity with EU nations but was not a “call-to-arms” for London to become an independent state. A petition backing the idea has now attracted more than 100,000 signatures.

It comes as Britain sent shockwaves across the world after the country backed Brexit in Thursday’s historic referendum by a margin of more than 1.2 million.

The vote was described as the "biggest political disaster" in recent history.

A message on the group’s Facebook page reads: “I don’t believe the Leave vote is a racist decision by the people. I don’t believe the Leave vote is an evil decision.

“When you have a government imposing austerity with severe cuts, directly hitting the most disadvantaged in society - those who will have the most trouble recovering - people get angry.

Leave wins EU referendum - in pictures

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“They want somewhere to point the anger, and the referendum was an easy scapegoat. A way to take back control - finally - a way to stick it to the man.

“The biggest political disaster in recent history - yes - but still a scapegoat for a society’s anger.

“The easy & reactionary thing to do is to spread the hate, the accusions (sic), the negativity.

“But London can do better. We're here. With open arms, an open mind, together we can stand with love & positivity.

“I want it to be crystal clear that the EU Referendum vote does not represent our beliefs, our love of Europe and beyond.

“The people of London stand with Europe.”

The event has sparked a mixed reaction from Facebook users.

While some have congratulated organisers for promoting “peace and unity” others have suggested it is time to move on following the decision to leave the EU.

One man posted: “Hey suck it up, Great Britain has voted out, sore losers go to work tuesday and build a greater britain.”

While another wrote: “Just except democracy the nation have voted, do you want to keep going until your side win lol.”

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