The Latest: 'Over half a million' march for new Brexit vote

LONDON (AP) — The Latest on anti-Brexit protest Saturday in London (all times local):

Organizers of a major protest in London calling for a new Brexit referendum are estimating that 670,000 people have turned up for the event.

Activists want a fresh referendum in which Britons can have a say on the final Brexit deal.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined students, families, health workers and scores more for Saturday's march, which ended with a rally at Parliament Square.

Among the protesters was "Lord of the Rings" actor Andy Serkis, who said he believes there should be a second referendum "now that people are more informed" compared to 2016, when Britons voted to pull out of the EU.

He says "the will of the people doesn't have to stand still, it's not an immovable thing that is fixed."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has joined thousands of voters calling for a second Brexit referendum at a major demonstration.

Khan said Saturday's event was a "march for the future" for young Britons, including those who were too young to vote in Britain's 2016 EU membership referendum, when those who favor leaving the bloc won by 52 percent to 48 percent.

The mayor, from the opposition Labour Party, has previously backed mounting calls for a fresh referendum so that the public can have a say on whether they accept Conservative Party Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal or choose to stay in the EU.

He told the BBC that "what's clear is that the only options on the table now from the prime minister are a bad Brexit deal, or no deal whatsoever. That's a million miles away from what was promised two-and-a-half years ago."

Thousands of protesters are gathering in central London to call for a new referendum on Britain's departure from the European Union.

Organizers want the public to have a final say on the government's Brexit deal with the EU, arguing that new facts have come to light about the costs and complexity of Britain's exit from the bloc since Britons voted to leave in 2016.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan from the opposition Labour Party was among those set to address the People's Vote March on Saturday, which will culminate at a rally in Parliament Square.

Prime Minister Theresa May of the Conservative Party has ruled out another public vote on the subject.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29, but negotiations have been plagued by disagreements, particularly over the issue of the land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland border. </s> Thousands of people turned out for a People's Vote march in London on Saturday to demand a referendum on the final Brexit deal struck by the UK government with the European Union (EU).

The campaign, 'March for the Future', from Park Lane to Parliament Square was dubbed by the organisers, Open Britain, as the "biggest, loudest and most important" demonstration on Britain's future.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has repeatedly ruled out the prospect of another referendum, saying that the people had already expressed their views in the June 2016 referendum – when the British public voted to leave the EU by a margin of 51.89 per cent to 48.11 per cent.

But the organisers say that "Brexit negotiations are taking us towards a future that nobody voted for".

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is among some of the prominent politicians to throw their support behind the People's Vote campaign, which is demanding a vote on the final deal with the European Union in the form a fresh referendum.

He said, "What's clear is that the only options on the table now from the Prime Minister are a bad Brexit deal, or no deal whatsoever."

"That's a million miles away from what was promised two-and-a-half years ago. In those circumstances, what we demand is that the British public gets a say in whether they accept the outcome of the negotiations, which could be a bad Brexit deal, it could be no deal, with the option of staying in the European Union," Khan added.

Protestors waving placards such as "Breverse", "Exit This Brexit" and "We Want EU" and shouting anti-Brexit slogans marched through central London to gather at the Parliament Square for a rally.

Around 150 bus-loads of people from across the UK reportedly travelled from far and wide for the Saturday's march and rally.

The hashtag #PeoplesVoteMarch began trending on the social media site Twitter as the numbers kept growing through the day.

"Brexit's becoming a dog's dinner. This week's fresh chaos and confusion over Brexit negotiations has exposed how even the best deal now available will be a bad one for Britain," opposition Labour Party leader Lord Adonis, one of the supporters of the People's Vote campaign, said.

"It's a mess that nobody voted for and the reason we are in such a growing crisis is that those cheerleading for Brexit know the promises they made can never be kept," he said.

"The idea that you should have a second referendum would be incredibly damaging – most of all to the trust in democracy from people up and down this country," Richard Tice, founder of the opposing Leave Means Leave campaign, said.

The march comes as the Brexit negotiations hit a major hurdle earlier this week, with the British premier indicating that the post-Brexit transition period may have to be extended to achieve a deal with the EU over contentious issues such as keeping an open border between non-member UK territory Northern Ireland and EU member-state Ireland.

It has caused further turmoil and growing anger within the ruling Conservative Party ranks, with most pro-Brexit ministers opposed to any such extension.

The UK is scheduled to formally leave the EU on March 29, 2019, under the terms of the two-year Article 50 process. The current plan is for a transition period of 21 months to run until December 2021 to smooth the path from Brexit to the UK and EU's future trading relationship. </s> London: Hundreds of thousands of protesters opposed to Britain's impending exit from the European Union marched through central London on Saturday, demanding a new referendum and to have a say on the government's final Brexit deal with the EU.

Organisers say another public vote is needed because new facts have come out about the costs and complexity of Britain's exit from the bloc since voters chose to leave in 2016.

They estimated that some 700,000 people took part Saturday in the "People's Vote March," which saw 150 buses of marchers pour into the British capital from all across the country. Police did not provide an attendance estimate.

"What's clear is that the only options on the table now from the prime minister are a bad Brexit deal, or no deal whatsoever," London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who joined the march, told the BBC. "That's a million miles away from what was promised 2 1/2 years ago."

Khan said Saturday's protest was a "march for the future" for young Britons, including those who were too young to vote in Britain's 2016 Brexit referendum, when those who favoured leaving the EU won narrowly by 52 per cent. </s> More than half a million people are holding a rally in Central London calling for a second referendum on a final Brexit deal. The 'march for the future' demonstration is looking to be one of the biggest protests in the capital in over a decade. It comes as the British government and the European Union Brexit negotiations stall.

ORGANISERS of a major protest in London calling for a new Brexit referendum are estimating that 670,000 people have turned up for the event.

Activists want a fresh referendum in which Britons can have a say on the final Brexit deal.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan joined students, families, health workers and scores more for Saturday’s march, which ended with a rally at Parliament Square.

Among the protesters was Lord of the Rings actor Andy Serkis, who said he believes there should be a second referendum “now that people are more informed” compared to 2016, when Britons voted to pull out of the EU.

He says “the will of the people doesn’t have to stand still, it’s not an immovable thing that is fixed.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Saturday’s event was a “march for the future” for young Britons, including those who were too young to vote in Britain’s 2016 EU membership referendum, when those who favour leaving the bloc won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

RELATED: Hundreds of thousands of Brits expected to march in London calling for People’s Vote on Brexit

The mayor, from the opposition Labour Party, has previously backed mounting calls for a fresh referendum so that the public can have a say on whether they accept Conservative Party Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit deal or choose to stay in the EU.

He told the BBC that “what’s clear is that the only options on the table now from the prime minister are a bad Brexit deal, or no deal whatsoever. That’s a million miles away from what was promised Two-and-a-half years ago.”

Prime Minister Theresa May of the Conservative Party has ruled out another public vote on the subject.

Organisers brought in some 150 buses to ferry thousands of activists from across the country to the British capital.

Those in favour of pulling Britain out of the EU won by 52 per cent in the 2016 EU membership referendum. Prime Minister Theresa May of the Conservative Party has ruled out another public vote on the subject.

Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29, but negotiations have been plagued by disagreements, particularly over the issue of the land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland border.

It will be the U.K.’s only land border with the EU after Brexit, for Ireland is part of the EU, and Northern Ireland is part of the U.K.

There are growing fears of a “no-deal” British exit, which could create chaos at the borders and in both the EU and the British economies.

May, speaking at an inconclusive EU summit in Brussels this week, said she would consider having a longer post-Brexit transition period — one that could keep Britain aligned to EU rules and obligations for more than two years after its March departure. Pro-Brexit politicians in Britain, however, saw it as an attempt to bind the country to the bloc indefinitely.

“This week’s fresh chaos and confusion over Brexit negotiations has exposed how even the best deal now available will be a bad one for Britain,” said Andrew Adonis, a Labour member of the House of Lords. “Voters will neither forgive nor forget if (politicians) allow this miserable Brexit to proceed without people being given the final say.” </s> Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Aerial footage shows crowds covering roads in the city centre

Protesters seeking a referendum on the final Brexit deal have attended a rally which organisers say was the biggest demonstration of its kind.

Young voters led the People's Vote march to London's Parliament Square, which supporters say attracted approximately 700,000 protesters.

It also had support from a number of MPs who want a fresh vote.

This is something which has already been ruled out by Prime Minister Theresa May.

The People's Vote campaign said stewards on the route estimated 700,000 were taking part.

The Metropolitan Police said it was not able to estimate the size of the crowd.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan - who started the march - was among those who addressed Parliament Square, along with representatives from the main political parties. Celebrity speakers included Steve Coogan, Delia Smith and Deborah Meaden.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Sadiq Khan on 'march for the future'

London Mayor Mr Khan told the crowd: "What's really important is that those that say that a public vote is undemocratic, is unpatriotic, realise that in fact, the exact opposite is the truth.

"What could be more democratic, what could be more British, than trusting the judgement of the British people."

Image caption Thousands arrived at the meeting point on London's Park Lane for the march

The march was held at the same time as a pro-Brexit rally in Harrogate, organised by the group Leave Means Leave and led by former UKIP leader Nigel Farage.

Mr Farage said: "The evidence suggests about a third of those that voted remain now say we're democrats and think the government should simply get on with it.

"And that's our message - get on with it, fulfil your promises to us, you said if we voted to leave it would happen, it needs to."

From the scene: BBC journalist Charlotte Gallagher

People gathered on Park Lane for hours before the march. Many held home-made signs and banners with slogans like "the wrexiteers", "Brexit stole my future" and "Even Baldrick had a plan".

As the crowds began to form, the sheer scale of the protest became clear. Thousands of people stretched filled the street, some were singing, others were playing instruments, while many plastic whistles blared out.

There were lots of young families there, some with children wrapped in EU flags. Many told me they'd gone because they were worried about their families' future.

Some people marched in groups - there were NHS staff, political parties, members of the LGBT community and dog owners. Many took the opportunity to dress up their pets for the protest.

The start of the march was delayed due to the number of people there. It was a good natured and friendly march through some of London's most famous streets before the hundreds of thousands of people arrived at Parliament Square.

By that stage the march was so large that not everyone could fit in the square and demonstrators spilled out onto nearby streets.

The marchers are hoping people power will persuade the British government to hold a referendum on the final Brexit deal. They will have to wait and see if the government was listening.

The British public voted to leave the EU by a margin of 51.89% to 48.11% in a referendum in June 2016.

The UK is scheduled to leave on 29 March 2019, under the terms of the two-year Article 50 process.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Protesters explain why they joined the People's Vote march to London's Parliament Square

Labour's Lord Adonis, a campaigner for People's Vote - which wants a referendum on the outcome of the negotiations with the EU - said: "Brexit's becoming a dog's dinner.

"This week's fresh chaos and confusion over Brexit negotiations has exposed how even the best deal now available will be a bad one for Britain."

Image copyright Reuters Image caption A young boy holding a sign proclaiming support for the EU

Image copyright AFP

Richard Tice, founder of Leave Means Leave and former co-chair of Leave.EU, told BBC Breakfast: "The idea that you should have a second referendum would be incredibly damaging - most of all to the trust in democracy from people up and down this country."

'Final say'

Some 150 coach loads of people from across the UK - including as far away from London as Orkney - travelled to the March for the Future, which started in Park Lane.

TV chef Delia Smith told the crowds that Brexit was "the most important issue in our lifetime", adding: "My message to MPs is please sort this out. Let the people you serve have their say."

Image copyright PA Image caption Delia Smith addressed anti-Brexit campaigners at the rally

Lord of the Rings star Andy Serkis attended with his wife Lorraine Ashbourne and 14-year-old son Louis.

"The will of the people is now, it's people expressing their points of view in a more informed state," he said.

And First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon sent a message of support to the rally, saying the SNP would support a vote that would give the option of staying in the EU.

'Young stand to lose most'

#PeoplesVoteMarch was trending on Twitter on Saturday, with lots of young people - some of those who were not eligible to vote in the 2016 referendum - heading on the march.

Emily Longman, 20, one of the students leading the march behind a People's Vote banner, was four months too young to vote in the 2016 referendum.

She studies Spanish and is due to study abroad next year, but said "no-one knows what will happen with Erasmus funding".

Image caption Aleta Doyle and her son Leo travelled from Peterborough

Aleta Doyle, 46, from Peterborough, who attended with her 12-year-old son Leo, said she was marching "for my children's future and European unity".

And Leo Buckley, 16, from Hampshire, said: "Young people stand to lose the most. I'm going to be poorer and not have the same career opportunities."

At the other end of the age spectrum, Joe Trickey from Croydon celebrated his 83rd birthday at the march. He said: "I believe very strongly in the EU as a place of peace and strength."

'Small print'

Dr Mike Galsworthy, from NHS Against Brexit, told BBC News: "Whether you voted leave, or whether you voted remain - when a contract comes back, you do have the right to read the small print and say actually 'no, no. no, this isn't what we want to be signing up for'."

Campaign supporter Alastair Campbell, former Downing Street director of communications, said: "The Brexit that was promised, and the Brexit that was campaigned successfully for, doesn't exist."

He added: "I don't think you can re-run the referendum. I think we have to accept that we lost that debate. I think the question has to be on the nature of the deal."

Saturday's event followed a march in London in June, on the second anniversary of the Brexit vote. </s> Over one million people opposed to Britain's withdrawal from the European Union marched through central London on Saturday to demand a new referendum as the deepening Brexit crisis risked sinking Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership.

Over one million people opposed to Britain's withdrawal from the European Union marched through central London on Saturday to demand a new referendum as the deepening Brexit crisis risked sinking Prime Minister Theresa May's premiership.

'Never gonna give EU up' - Over one million march through London to demand new referendum on Brexit

Marchers set off in central London with banners proclaiming "the best deal is no Brexit" and "we demand a People's Vote" in what organisers said could be the biggest anti-Brexit protest yet.

Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon told the rally in Parliament Square that “the prime minister and her government have proved completely incapable of delivering on the result of the 2016 vote, which is why it is right that this should now go back to the people."

Addressing the crowd Anna Soubry of The Independent Group, Conservatives Justine Greening and Philip Lee, Green Caroline Lucas, the Lib Dem’s Jo Swinson, the SNP’s Ian Blackford and Labour’s David Lammy and Rosena Alin Khan took it in turns to criticise the Brexit process.

After three years of tortuous debate, it is still uncertain how, when or even if Brexit will happen as May tries to plot a way out of the gravest political crisis in at least a generation.

May hinted on Friday that she might not bring her twice-defeated EU divorce deal back to parliament next week, leaving her Brexit strategy in meltdown.

"I would feel differently if this was a well managed process and the government was taking sensible decisions. But it is complete chaos," Gareth Rae, 59, who travelled from Bristol to attend the demonstration, told Reuters.

"The country will be divided whatever happens and it is worse to be divided on a lie."

While the country and its politicians are divided over Brexit, most agree it is the most important strategic decision the United Kingdom has faced since World War II.

Pro-EU protesters gathered for a "Put it to the people march" at Marble Arch on the edge of Hyde Park around midday, before marching past the prime minister's office in Downing Street and finish outside parliament.

While there was no official estimate of the numbers, campaign organisers said hundreds of thousands of people were in the crowd as it began to march.

Organisers were confident that the size of the crowd would exceed a similar rally held in October, when supporters said about 700,000 people turned up.

Phoebe Poole, 18, who was holding a placard saying "never gonna give EU up" in reference to a song by 1980s popstar Rick Astley, wasn’t old enough to vote in the 2016 referendum.

"We have come here today because we feel like our future has been stolen from us. It is our generation that is going to have to live with the consequences of this disaster," she told Reuters.

"It is going to make it harder to get a job. You are already seeing a lot of large companies leaving. I am worried about the future."

Two hundred coaches from around Britain were booked to take people to London for the march. One coach left the Scottish Highlands on Friday evening, and another left from Cornwall on England's western tip early on Saturday morning.

A petition to cancel Brexit altogether gained 4 million signatures in just 3 days after May told the public "I am on your side" over Brexit and urged lawmakers to get behind her deal.

In the June 23, 2016 referendum, 17.4 million voters, or 52pc, backed Brexit while 16.1 million, or 48 percent, backed staying in the bloc.

But ever since, opponents of Brexit have been exploring ways to hold another referendum.

May has repeatedly ruled out holding another Brexit referendum, saying it would deepen divisions and undermine support for democracy. Brexit supporters say a second referendum would trigger a major constitutional crisis.

We already put it to the people. And the people roared," pro-leave group Change Britain said in a tweet.

Supporters of Brexit say that while the divorce might bring some short-term instability, in the longer term Britain would thrive if cut free from what they cast as a doomed experiment in German-dominated unity that is falling far behind other major powers.

Some opinion polls have shown a slight shift in favour of remaining in the European Union, but there has yet to be a decisive change in attitudes.

Many voters in Britain say they have become increasingly bored by Brexit and May said on Wednesday that they want this stage of the Brexit process to be "over and done with."

But protesters disagreed with May's claim that she is on the side of the British public, with one placard reading: "You do not speak for us Theresa." </s> Pro-European groups will be out in force on Saturday for a so-called National Day of Action, with hundreds of events taking place across the country.



Activists and supporters from pro-EU pressure groups Open Britain, the European Movement and Britain for Europe will stage events in every part of the UK, in areas that voted both Remain and Leave.



Big demonstrations will be held in large population centres including London, the West Midlands, Cardiff, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Belfast.



In addition, there will be more than 350 smaller events taking place up and down the UK, from Aberdeen in the north of Scotland, to Falmouth in Cornwall.

Organisers are hoping thousands of activists and supporters will be taking part, and are proposed to hand out 500,000 leaflets.



In addition, more than 100 street stalls will be set up in towns and cities across Britain, both in areas which voted Remain and those which voted to Leave.



Campaigners will then launch a new People’s Vote campaign off the back of the event, calling for the British people to get a fresh vote on the Brexit deal before we quit the EU.



Pro-EU MPs including Labour’s Chuka Umunna and Tory Anna Soubry will be among those addressing the London event.

James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: “Our largest ever National Day of Action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one, unified, voice because we know that together we are stronger.”



James MacCleary, campaign director of European Movement UK, added: “The pro-European movement is gaining in strength and momentum and that progress will be reflected this weekend with a huge demonstration of grassroots power in favour of a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal.”



And Anne Weyman, vice chairwoman of Britain for Europe, said: “We may come from different political parties, different traditions and different groups, but we are united by our desire for the people to have their say on the Brexit deal and we are determined to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear.”



The national events come two days after Best for Britain, a separate campaign group, unveiled plans to launch a lawsuit aimed at securing a second referendum.

The organisation argues that any future arrangements will amend or replace existing EU treaties, and should therefore be subject to the 2011 European Union Act, which introduced a “referendum lock” for laws with wide-ranging consequences.



In a statement, the group said: “Best for Britain believes that when David Cameron and hundreds of Conservative MPs voted for a referendum lock, they voted to give the people a say, through a public vote if there were fundamental changes in the treaties.



“Leaving the EU will be the most significant treaty change yet, and transition arrangements are likely to mean a big transfer of powers to Brussels.”



Best for Britain’s CEO Eloise Todd added: “This case is simply about having the right for people to make sure their voice matters on the biggest change in our country’s direction since the second World War.” </s> Pro-EU campaigners will hold a national day of action on Saturday. (David Mirzoeff/PA)

Thousands of pro-EU activists to demonstrate on national action day BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Thousands of pro-European campaigners will take part in demonstrations across the country this weekend in what has been dubbed the groups’ largest ever joint grassroots national day of action. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/thousands-of-proeu-activists-to-demonstrate-on-national-action-day-36803123.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/uk/article36803121.ece/a9fbc/AUTOCROP/h342/bpanews_ab236979-321c-4d36-b24e-710775cc2459_1

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Thousands of pro-European campaigners will take part in demonstrations across the country this weekend in what has been dubbed the groups’ largest ever joint grassroots national day of action.

Activists and supporters from Open Britain, the European Movement and Britain for Europe will take to the streets for 12 flagship events in every part of the UK on Saturday.

In all there will be more than 350 events taking place across the country, from Aberdeen in the north of Scotland to Falmouth in the south of Cornwall.

Thousands of pro-EU activists and supporters are expected to take part, with organisers saying 500,000 leaflets will be handed out and more than 100 street stalls set up in towns and cities across Britain, in areas that voted both Remain and Leave.

MUST-READ: This weekend, along with 8 other pro-European organisations, thousands of activists will take to the streets demanding a vote on final Brexit deal https://t.co/CvO6o3AJrK pic.twitter.com/BzMVOTT8rp — People's Vote HQ (@peoplesvote_hq) April 13, 2018

James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: “Our largest ever national day of action is all about bringing together the various pro-European groups so that we can speak with one, unified, voice because we know that together we are stronger.”

The day of action will lead into the launch of a fresh campaign on Sunday calling for a referendum on the final Brexit deal.

Some 1,000 activists are set to attend the campaign’s launch event in London, which will include speeches from pro-Europe MPs such as Labour’s Chuka Umunna and Conservative Anna Soubry.

James MacCleary, campaign director of European Movement UK, said: “The pro-European movement is gaining in strength and momentum and that progress will be reflected this weekend with a huge demonstration of grassroots power in favour of a people’s vote on the Brexit deal.”

Anne Weyman, vice chair of Britain for Europe, added: “We may come from different political parties, different traditions and different groups, but we are united by our desire for the people to have their say on the Brexit deal and we are determined to make sure their voice is heard loud and clear.”

PA </s> Thousands are expected to march on Westminster today (March 23) demanding the final say on Brexit.

Protesters, politicians and celebrities from across the country are heading towards London for the 'Put it to the people' march in Parliament Square at midday.

Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner and South Cambs MP Heidi Allen have already announced they will be at the march today.

Speeches are expected to be given by Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson, Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon and member of the newly founded Independent Group Anna Soubry.

The protest takes place on the same day Nigel Farage and other pro-Brexit supporters will be continuing the 'March to leave' hike from Sunderland to London, which started last weekend.

It comes after Prime Minister Theresa May announced that there would be a delay to Britain leaving the EU; and a petition demanding that Brexit not happen at all crashed the Government's petitions website after getting more than 3.5 million signatures in 48 hours.

You can stay updated with the events of the march below in this live blog:
Approximately one million Britons assemble for the People's Vote March in London, United Kingdom advocating for an additional referendum on Brexit.