National Rejoin March II

Saturday 23 September

It was a fine, warm sunny September morning when, at 0815, the main body of the Cheltenham for Europe marchers gathered at Royal Well. The Bennetts coach arrived on time with four early starters from Tewkesbury already on board. The journey to central London, with a short break at Beaconsfield Services, passed smoothly and we arrived in Eaton Square with plenty of time to make the short walk to Park Lane to join marchers from all over the UK. It was an optimistic and cheerful crowd, made even more heartening by the numbers of passing motorists who “hooted” their support.

At 1pm precisely, in warm sunshine, the march got under way to wind slowly through the streets of central London, via Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall where, outside the entrance to Downing Street, a chorus of boos drowned out all other noise. On arrival in Parliament Square an array of inspiring speakers, including the former Belgian Prime Minister and current MEP, Guy Verhofstadt, who promised to attend all “Rejoin” marches until the day it happens; the redoubtable Gina Miller, whose faith in rejoin has never wavered and representing the younger generation, Madeleina Kay.

Finally, at 5pm precisely, the Cheltenham For Europe coach left Eaton Square, this time with a crowd of tired, but happy marchers. The return journey was as smooth, and this time there was a short stop at Oxford Services. The coach arrived back in Royal Well at just before 8pm, where the Cheltenham marchers disembarked, to leave the four Tewkesbury stalwarts to carry on their journey.

It had been a successful and enjoyable day.

Very many thanks to our 2 stewards on the day – Martin and Neil, to all who marched, for best wishes from those unable to march on the day and for the very generous donations which made the trip possible.

In spite of a lack of interest by the BBC the march did hit the national and international press:

The success of the National Rejoin March shows the electors aren’t buying Brexit – Politics.co.uk

Brexit: Thousands take part in Rejoin the EU march to demand the country overturn Leave | The Independent

For a full report on the day with links to speakers and media coverage:

NRM II LONDON | National Rejoin March (marchforrejoin.co.uk)

And a report in West England Bylines by Martin Griffiths, Tewkesbury for Europe:

The March for Europe. (westenglandbylines.co.uk)

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