Bath for Europe

The #PeoplesVoteMarch on Saturday 20th October was an exhilarating and unforgettable day. While estimates vary, at least 700,000 peaceful protestors took part in the largest march since the Stop the War demonstration in 2003. Bath alone sent nine coaches – eight of them organised by Bath for Europe, and one coach from the University of Bath’s Student’s Union. Bristol for Europe also sent nine coaches. Dozens of our supporters travelled on packed trains along with many others from our region. At least 150 coaches were put on by groups like ours from across the country. A number of groups representing Brits abroad travelled from the Continent. European citizens whose futures are in limbo marched.

Bath for Europe’s fantastic events team did a brilliant and thorough job of preparing marchers and coach monitors for the logistically challenging event, enabling our large group to travel safely to and from London. Our marchers of all ages came from Bath and the surrounding areas. Many overcame difficulties and obstacles to spend what was a very long and tiring day of travel and walking.

One of the most striking things about the gigantic march was the strong sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. The mood was uniformly positive and respectful. Flags, banners, creative and humorous placards and bright blue bEUrets dotted the seemingly never-ending mass of marchers on this gloriously sunny autumn day. Bath for Europe supporters handed out our brilliant Boris bank notes and Rees-Mogg 50 guinea notes. Peter Andrews was interviewed by The Guardian and our own Boris Johnson Alan Champneys was interviewed by The Times.

Given the enormous volume of protestors, the march moved very slowly, wending its way from Park Lane to Trafalgar Square and on to Parliament Square where a broad spectrum of politicians from all major parties and well-known People’s Vote supporters made short speeches. Those on stage included Anna Soubry (Conservative), Chuka Umunna (Labour), Vince Cable (Lib Dem), Delia Smith, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Steve Coogan, Deborah Meaden and others.

Bath for Europe is incredibly grateful to our generous donors who contributed to our fighting fund and to enable those who could not afford it to attend, in particular a local couple whose incredibly generous donation made it possible for us to secure an eighth coach.

The next six to eight weeks are critical, so please email or write to your MP regularly to ask for their support for a People’s Vote. We have created a sample letter and other useful guidance. The People’s Vote campaign has also launched ‘Write this Wrong’, which makes it as simple as possible to email your MP. Simply visit the Write this Wrong webpage and follow the instructions. We still have a long fight ahead. Let’s keep the remarkable spirit of the #PeoplesVoteMarch alive!