Thousands of Britons have taken the streets of London to protest against leaving the European Union.
On Saturday, the protesters converged on the British capital from across the country. Demonstrators waved EU flags and banners with slogans questioning the government’s Brexit plans going forward.They also observed a minute's silence in memory of the victims of last week’s deadly attack which occurred in the heart of London, at the start of the demonstration.
Extra security is in place following the attack.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said, “We are here to show solidarity and respect for those who voted leave. We do not believe they wanted this. [Theresa May] does not speak for 52% she barely speaks for 5%.”
He also expressed his sympathy with the crowd saying they have the right to be in this place just days after the terrorist attack this week. “We are defiant against those who would seek us to be afraid about last Wednesday,” he said. “We are also defiant because democracy did not end on the 23rd of June,” added Farron.
The protests are taking place as the heads of state and government of the other 27 EU members have gathered in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaty which founded the then-European Economic Community, later to become the EU.
Prime Minister Theresa May has been adamant as she intends to take Britain out of the EU following last year’s referendum. The Prime Minister will formally announce the start of the two-year leaving process on Wednesday.
Also, Scotland's first Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced proposals on how her country can stay inside the single market after Britain withdraws from the EU. Scottish voters chose to stay in the EU in the June 23 referendum when the rest of the UK voted to leave the bloc. Sturgeon said the Scottish people were now being forced out of the EU against their wishes.