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One million people protest in London!
CURRENT answers your questions about Brexit!
Q: What is Brexit?
A: It’s a portmanteau: 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 took to the streets and marched on Parliament to demand a second referendum on Brexit. After two frustrating years of negotiations, research and reflection, they want another chance to vote on whether or not to go ahead with Brexit, believing the country would overturn the original mandate to leave. Further to the protest, a record breaking petition was swept the internet 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, and argue that more votes are more democratic.
Q: Why is Brexit important?
A: It’s an incredibly complex issue with wide-reaching implications for the economy, immigration, British culture, soft power, and foreign policy. 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, and could even trigger another recession. If the British government fails to make a good deal, it could be extremely detrimental to live in Britain as we know it.
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. This is the most likely outcome at this stage.
- 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.
- The government could accept the petition to overturn Article 50 legislation and cancel Brexit. This is extremely unlikely.
Have you ever been to a protest?
What’s your take on Brexit?
How important is it for young people to be involved in politics?
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26 March 2019 at 21:05
Generally Brexit hit as a shock not only me but lots of people around the globe especially in Europe. I have never been to a protest because sometimes these kind of demonstrations are not peaceful enough. This is the reason I don't attempt to them. Because I don't leave in England I'm not fully aware of the political situation but I firmly believe that the European Union is not the source of the problems of the country. Young people should definitely be an active member of society who concern about the future and are aware of the political chaos which sometimes concurs the country. Young people should be willing to fight for their right hence they have to be in immediate access to the reality.
27 March 2019 at 17:51
I've only been to a protest once in my life, the protest for climate change some weeks ago. It is an important issue for me so I wanted to be present. As an European, I think UK shouldn't leave the EU. It would create big problems for the Britishes and for all the other people in Europe expecially in the field of economy. The excanges of goods between the European states and UK would be more complicated and both the sides would be compromised. I know the political situation in UK is complicated, the country is splitted in two parts. I hope they will find soon an agreement and the conflicts won't be too hard. I think young people should be more involved in politics. Personally I'm not really interested in it, but it's necessary to have your own thought about what is going on in your country and in the world. However, if I was British, I wouldn't protest. People decided for it in a legitimate referendum, you can't go against the will of your compatriots. Anyway, I hope things will go in the best way possible for all Europe.