Teignbridge supporters of Devon for Europe set off to London last Saturday, October 19, for the third mass demonstration against Brexit in the capital this year.
The People’s Vote campaign coincided with the first time Parliament had sat on a Saturday since the Falklands War.
Billed as ‘Super Saturday’ Prime Minister Boris Johnson was looking to Parliament to vote through his EU Withdrawal Agreement, despite the controversial concession of a customs border in the Irish Sea, something he’d previously said no Prime Minister could ever contemplate.
A spokesperson for Devon for Europe said: ‘The news that the Letwin amendment requiring Johnson to request an extension to give time for MPs to scrutinise the deal arrived as 13 coaches from Devon were halfway through their journey up to London.
‘The more optimistic mood was lifted further when we saw the sea of blue at the M4 services and met up with coaches from all over the West Country, all on their way to swell the crowds of the million plus already filling Hyde Park and Park Lane.
‘With these numbers, slow progress was made to Parliament Square through the tidal wave of flags, banners and placards.
‘The three years of relentless, selfless campaigning had led to this moment, when the option of a People’s Vote is recognised as the best and most democratic route for Parliament and the country out of the whole Brexit shambles.
‘Speaker after speaker reinforced the message - the Brexit promised is undeliverable. Johnson’s deal is far worse than May’s and people have a right to reassess and change their minds.
‘MPs who have braved death threats to stand up for what is best for the country paid tribute to the work of grassroots groups, like Devon for Europe, who have supported them through difficult times and helped to raise awareness of Brexit’s impact.’
Hilary Montandon from Teignmouth travelled to the demonstration with her sister Therese Miller from Stokenteignhead.
She said: ‘We are both OAPs and got up long before dawn to travel to London to stand up for democracy, not only for ourselves, but also for many family and friends unable to make the trip.
‘We marched, having a comfort break and quick bite to eat at St James Park, before making our way to Parliament Square where we watched the Letwin amendment result on the big screen. The atmosphere was incredible, electrifying, and was a hugely momentous moment in both our lives.’
Devon for Europe spokesperson Anthea Simmons added: ‘As campaigners we have been ignored by this government for three and a half years but slowly the Brexit chickens are coming home to roost. Johnson might try to railroad or con the country into making a few people very much richer, but the public is waking up to the scam. The only way to resolve this now is to put it back to us. We’ll decide and we’ll choose what is best for us and our families and that is most definitely not Brexit.’