Rutland anti-Brexit campaigners join London march for a second referendum

Around 40 people from Stamford, Bourne and the Rutland area took part in Saturday's march in London calling for a second referendum on Brexit.

Richard Cleaver of the Stamford Coalition for Europe said many of the marchers had never joined the group on previous marches.

He told the Rutland Times: "Despite us starting off quite near the head of the march, by the time we were halfway down Whitehall we came to a standstill as Parliament Square was completely full. It was certainly the biggest march I’ve ever been on – and it was very striking how good-natured and well-behaved everyone was.

"More and more people clearly feel strongly that the government has badly mishandled the Brexit process and that the final outcome can only be legitimised by a People’s Vote. That is the most democratic thing to do – let the People decide."

Coalition Spokesperson, Amanda Wheeler said: "The March was a passionate yet peaceful display of the strength of feeling many of us share about this shambolic Brexit. It was a march for a People’s Vote – but the mood is definitely changing with many placards calling for Article 50 to be revoked.”

Organisers of the London March claimed more than a million attended the march, though crowd analysis experts from Manchester Metropolitan University suggested a figure of 312,000-400,000 was more likely.

The coalition plans further campaign events locally.

Mr Cleaver also said today that the coalition was 'delighted' to hear Stamford MP Nick Boles being interviewed on BBC2's Newsnight last night where he said though he did not support a second referendum, he "will not vote against a second referendum."

Mr Cleaver added: "This represents very significant progress for our campaign."

The Nick Boles interview can be seen on https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0003mtj/newsnight-25032019