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As it happenedended

Brexit march: '1 million' Put It To The People protesters stage historic rally for a second referendum

See how we covered the day's events live

Adam Forrest
London
,Zamira Rahim
Saturday 23 March 2019 17:01 EDT
Comments
Femi Oluwole chats to Put it to the People marchers

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Some one million people were estimated to have joined the Put It To The People march in central London today, organisers said.

Organised by the People’s Vote, Britain for Europe and Open Britain, protesters demanded the public be given a final say on the Brexit process.

Campaigners seeking a second referendum started in Park Lane at midday before gathering at Parliament Square for a series of speeches, with demonstrators tailing back through the route shown on aerial footage.

On stage Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson addressed Theresa May's own speech this week when she told voters fed up of Brexit that "I am on your side".

He said: “Have a look out of the window prime minister. Open your curtains. Switch on your TV. Here are the people. Theresa May - you don’t speak for us.”

And Michael Heseltine told marchers that the EU represented "parliamentary democracies working together with power based on a shared sovereignty far in excess of anything any one of us could achieve individually" over decades.

People came from across the country to join the demonstration. Sorcha Kirker, 27, travelled from Orkney and told The Independent: "This is too important to miss because of something like geography. It’s our future."

The march took place as Ms May fought to stay in office, with ministers reportedly plotting to oust her. In a letter to MPs she did not guarantee that she would bring her deal back to the Commons for a third meaningful vote, amid suspicions it would fail to pass again.

See below how we covered the march live:

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 11:35
Adam Forrest23 March 2019 11:38

If you need a reminder on what happened in Brussels this week, and why Britain is currently set to leave on April 12 or May 22:

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 11:43
Adam Forrest23 March 2019 11:54

It's almost under way. Put It To The People protesters prepare to march through central London.

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 11:57

In a new piece for The Independent, Femi Oluwole says it’s the poorest parts of Britain that would be hardest hit by Brexit.

“We are marching because it’s our last chance to save the fabric of our society from being permanently ripped apart,” he writes.

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 12:17

And we’re off. The march is now under way as protesters make their way in the direction of Parliament Square. People of all ages - and all political persuasions - are attending, it seems.

James Moore, The Independent columnist, has joined the crowd as it leaves Park Lane.

“There’s a surprisingly large contingent of young Tories with banners opposing Brexit here. Also lots of older people.”

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 12:21

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 12:24

Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan explains why she’s marching today.

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 12:30

Events at Westminster and Brussels over the past few weeks have often been bewildering.

Our political correspondent Lizzy Buchan picks her way through the torturous negotiations and plots the likely steps needed to deliver a second referendum.

Adam Forrest23 March 2019 12:35

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