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One million people protest in London!
CLUB answers your questions about Brexit!
Q: What is Brexit?
A: It comes from a combination of two words: Britain + exit = Brexit. It’s the name given to Britain’s plan to exit the European Union (EU).
Q: When is Brexit?
A: Originally the deadline was on the 29th of March, but thanks to a short delay granted by the EU It’s now on the 12th of April 2019. That’s just 18 days away!
Q: What did the protesters hope to achieve?
A: On Saturday the 23rd of March, 1.2 million people marched on Parliament to demand a second referendum on Brexit. After two years of negotiations, research and reflection, they want another chance to vote on whether or not to go ahead with Brexit. There has also been a record breaking petition with over 5 million signatures asking the government to revoke Article 50, legislation which would cancel Brexit immediately.
Q: Why are people angry about Brexit?
A: Half of British people want to leave … and half of British people don’t. The first referendum, held on the 23rd of June 2016, was neck and neck. With a huge turnout of 33 million, 52% voted to leave, and 48% of people voted to stay! The country is much divided and both camps are struggling to see things from each other’s point of view. Brexit supporters dismiss the concerns of Remainers as propaganda and ‘Project Fear’, and say that a second referendum would be undemocratic. Remainers accuse Brexiteers of being ill-informed, nationalist and short-sighted.
Why is Brexit important?
A: It’s very complicated! Britain is the first country to leave the EU after being part of the organisation for forty years. Nobody knows what effects leaving will have on the economy, though all reports suggest it will be very negative. It will change everything from trade and culture to immigration. If the British government fails to make a good deal, it could be very bad for the British economy.
Q: What will happen next?
A: There are still several possible out-comes:
- The government might accept Theresa May’s deal with the EU and agree to leave on the 12th of April.
- The government might reject Theresa May’s deal again, meaning Britain leaves the EU with no deal.
- The government might ask for a long extension of up to two years for a general election or a second referendum.
Have you ever been to a protest?
Is your country in the European Union?
Is it important for young people to be involved in politics?
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28 March 2019 at 16:02
I have never been in a protest and I don't want to go to one in the future, because I prefer the dialogue if i want to solve a problem with someone than shouting with signposts and wearing t-shirts e.t.c. My country, Greece is in the Europian Union and I think that the young people should be involved in politics, because the future of each country it's up to them now and in the future.
2 April 2019 at 16:59
I' m from Poland and I can say that Im young, beacause i'm twelve years old. Poland is in E U, and I think, that it's Good. I think that, beacause we can get money for New plans for example: New football pitch or Free places in Small villages. I also want to say that I' ve never been in protest. I don't know A lot of governments and politic, but if i were older man, i wouldn' t like to go to protests. I prefer writing letters to someone and send it than going outside and shouting to government about business.
10 April 2019 at 18:55
I have never been in a protest because I think I am too young. I understand British because they don't know their future now. In my country teachers are protesting. Children aren't going to school and they don't have any lessons. Parents are angry,children are happy but teachers are frustrated. Teachers want better reform,better working conditions and more money. Poland is in EU. I think it is good because traveling in EU is easier because we don't need a passport.I am not interested in politics. I know it is important but politicians are boring and dishonest.
13 April 2019 at 14:44
I have never been in a protest and I don’t know if in a future I will participate. My country, Italy, is in the European Union and as well as one of the founding countries of the Union. In my opinion the young people should be involved in politics because the future of each country is on their hand.
16 April 2019 at 15:28
I have never been in a protest and I don't want to go in one in the future: in my opinion the dialogue and the confrontation is better than a protest, because sometimes them end in a bad way.