Summary: Over a million people march for a people's vote
- Official figures put the numbers at the central London march today at over one million.
- Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon told the rally in Parliament Square that “the prime minister and her government have proved completely incapable of delivering on the result of the 2016 vote, which is why it is right that this should now go back to the people.”
- Margaret Georgiadou, the “frustrated remainer” behind the petition to revoke article 50 has received a string of death threats over her challenge to the Brexit process.
- Deputy Leader of the Labour party Tom Watson told the crowds in Parliament Square: “Theresa May: you don’t speak for us.”
Updated
Dan Sabbagh rounds up some of his favourite placards from this afternoon’s march.
Placards left by the gates of Parliament. I do like this... pic.twitter.com/0rysTThwI7
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
Addressing the crowd Anna Soubry of The Independent Group, Conservatives Justine Greening and Philip Lee, Green Caroline Lucas, the Lib Dem’s Jo Swinson, the SNP’s Ian Blackford and Labour’s David Lammy and Rosena Alin Khan took it in turns to criticise the Brexit process.
Ms Soubry urged her parliamentary colleagues to “put your country first, get into the lobbies and vote for a People’s vote”.
Mr Blackford said: “No parliamentarians should be going through the lobbies to make their constituents poorer.”
The campaign group @ByDonkeys who have been posting the Tweets of prominent politicians in the run-up to the referendum on billboards around the country unfurled a banner with a Tweet from Brexiteer David Davis in which he said: “If a democracy cannot change, it ceases to be a democracy.”
“If a democracy cannot change its mind, it ceases to be a democracy.” - @DavidDavisMP
— Led By Donkeys (@ByDonkeys) March 23, 2019
Parliament Square, London
23rd March 2019 pic.twitter.com/SBQGVMF83N
Writer Caitlin Moran shared an image of her placard on Instagram
Updated
Following his speech, deputy Labour leader Mr Watson tweeted: “The Prime Minister claims she speaks for Britain.
“Well, have a look out of the window, Prime Minister. Open your curtains. Switch on your TV. Look at this great crowd today. Here are the people.
“Theresa May: you don’t speak for us. PutItToThePeople.”
The Prime Minister claims she speaks for Britain. Well, have a look out of the window Prime Minister. Open your curtains. Switch on your TV. Look at this great crowd today. Here are the people. Theresa May: you don’t speak for us. #PutItToThePeople pic.twitter.com/wnKOrtmoO8
— Tom Watson (@tom_watson) March 23, 2019
Updated
Lara has come from France to show her support for Britain remaining in the EU.
Updated
David Lammy: "Are you listening Theresa May...are you listening Jeremy Corbyn" before asking the crowd to shout "they lied" again and again after reciting the names Boris Johnson, Michael Gove, Nigel Farage and Theresa May. It's stonking speech...
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
Nicola Sturgeon, the first minister of Scotland, urged people to secure a longer extension to the process, to allow time for a new referendum to be held.
“This is now the moment of maximum opportunity – we need to avoid both the catastrophe of no-deal and the damage which would be caused by the prime minister’s bad deal. The EU’s decision to postpone things until at least April 12 has opened a window, and those of us who oppose Brexit must seize the chance it offers.”
Sturgeon said the House of Commons must take back control from Theresa May and “secure a longer extension to the process, to allow time for a new referendum to be held”.
“The prime minister and her government have proved completely incapable of delivering on the result of the 2016 vote, which is why it is right that this should now go back to the people.”
Nicola Sturgeon tweeted a photo from the Put it to the People march where she addressed crowds in Parliament Square.
The Scottish First Minister wrote: “Massive crowds at Put It to the People rally in London today. Good to be there.”
Caught up with @ChiOnwurah earlier, a few minutes before she spoke... pic.twitter.com/f8zkRsgSYj
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
Tom Watson tells Theresa May: 'Let the people take back control'
The deputy Labour leader, Tom Watson, has called for a people’s vote to reunite the country and decide the future together.
He joined other political leaders marching through London before taking to the stage in Parliament Square.
“The prime minister claims she speaks for Britain. Well, have a look out of the window prime minister. Open your curtains. Switch on your TV. Look at this great crowd today. Here are the people. Theresa May: you don’t speak for us.”
He said Labour efforts to “put aside party differences” to broker a better deal that could satisfy both leavers and remainers had failed.
“At every turn we have been ignored. At every stage Theresa May has doubled down rather than reaching out. She has made it impossible for anyone who cares about jobs, about solidarity at home and abroad, about friendship across borders and between communities to support this Brexit.”
Watson finished his speech by saying that the only way to solve the crisis was to recognise that “we’re all in it together”.
He said: “The way to break the stalemate is for parliament and the people to come together. The way to reunite our country is to decide on our future together. It’s time to say with one voice: put it to the people. Prime minister, you have lost control. Let the people take back control.”
Updated
This photo, via @dansabbagh, is kinda amazing. Somehow captures a lot about current British left politics. #PeoplesVoteMarch pic.twitter.com/Wmd29IIMwM
— Tan Copsey (@tancopsey) March 23, 2019
Unicorn makes an entrance#PutitothePeopleMarch
— Paul Johnson (@paul__johnson) March 23, 2019
@sloumarsh pic.twitter.com/8dzJtPA8yi
A couple who flew over from Berlin were at the march today.
Updated
Organisers of the march said it “exceeded all expectations”, with a turnout of around 1 million, making it one of the biggest protests in British history.
Those behind the march for a second vote on Brexit said the size of the crowd spilling into Hyde Park and side streets was much bigger than that during the last People’s Vote march on 20 October.
A spokesperson for the campaign said: “It is almost impossible to put an exact figure on the size of this immense crowd because it is spilling out across central London. The start of the march at Park Lane has been filled to bursting point and many thousands of people are trying to make their way to Parliament Square through side streets.”
They added: “At the time the rally began, people were still arriving in Park Lane. Our estimate is based on professional expert advice and whatever the exact number, there can be no doubt that this ranks as one of the greatest protests – possibly the biggest ever – that this country has ever seen. We have no doubt that this march is bigger than the last with our early estimate putting the size of the crowd at around 1 million.”
Updated
Our reporter, Gareth Rubin, has been out on the march today, talking to people and asking for their views on Brexit.
‘I’m so disappointed with how divisive everyone’s become’
Instead of just whinging about it, we felt like we needed to make ourselves heard. It’s more important for our children than ourselves – about their careers and the state of the country in the future. I’m fed up with hearing Theresa May talk about the numbers who voted to leave, when it was such a small majority. She can stop going on about ‘the will of the people’ – the will of the people is not all one way. For me, the EU means peace and prosperity: it’s being a part of something bigger, not fighting each other. I’m so disappointed with how divisive everyone’s become, attacking each other. I’m the daughter of an immigrant from India and I feel even more that we should be open and tolerant and working together. Our country is full of immigrants and it’s always been based on that. To suddenly become so anti, that just isn’t British to me – Lucy Reeves, 45, market researcher, with her husband, Steve, 45, and daughters Mia, 10, and Lily, 12.
‘I’m angry about what has happened and that the parties can’t put aside their party politics’
In 2016 I campaigned to remain. Unfortunately, we lost so now I’m doing all I can to get us the best deal possible on leaving – or, if possible, have a second referendum. I think today will definitely be a success in terms of alerting the government to how many people care about this issue. So many people have been disenfranchised in this process and we want our voices to be heard as part of the negotiations. If nothing else, I think the march will definitely have an impact on opening the politicians’ eyes. I am angry about what’s happened and I’m angry that the parties can’t put aside their party politics and listen to what people have to say. This is the true voice of the people and they have to listen to that. That’s why it’s so important to me to be here – Suhail Dhanji, secondary school teacher, 23.
‘We have to stop this or it will be disastrous for our country, our children and out future’
Brexit is disastrous for our country. I’ve never been on a march since 1962, when I marched out of the army, but I felt very strongly that I had to come here today. This is a fantastic march – unbelievable numbers. I’m in favour of trying to work together rather than in opposition because the world is in a very dangerous situation and leaving Europe just fragments it further – that leads to disastrous politics. So I hope – though I doubt – that Theresa May will listen to this huge objection to her strategy. So much has come out since we voted, and so many more people now are aware what the issues are, about being dragged out – the collapse of our car manufacturing industry, banks going everywhere and anyone with any money is getting it out of the UK. We have to stop this or it will be disastrous for our country, our children and our future – David Frost, 80, former military police officer.
‘If Theresa May can have a vote a number of times on the same thing, why can’t we?’
I’m from Ireland but I’m at university in Glasgow and as a person who will still be in the EU even after Britain leaves, I think it’s important to have connections with the country I live in. I’m lucky that because of the Good Friday agreement I won’t have to apply for settled status after Brexit but I have friends from other European countries who don’t know what’s happening. For me, the European Union means the freedom to move around, we can cooperate – as scientists we can share research and join forces. It’s better to work together. It’s important for people like me to be able to study in the UK and I hope today will mean those of us asking for a second referendum won’t just be pushed aside. It’s the best option. If Theresa May can have a vote a number of times on the same thing, why can’t we? – Tara Duggan, 19, studying electronics with music
Updated
'Chaotic and confused': Khan accuses May of failing on Brexit
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said Theresa May’s “chaotic and confused approach” has led to failure and there is no other choice but to vote again on Brexit.
Speaking at the march, he said the clock had run down. “There is no time left for further negotiations. And the prime minister has wasted the good will of our European neighbours with her chaotic and confused approach. Those who wanted to help us secure a good deal for both sides now just want the process to end.”
He said Britons were already paying the price for May’s failure. “The uncertainty she has deliberately created as she puts her party before her country has come at a cost. Business investment has fallen and almost every week another major manufacturer warns they are reducing production in Britain.”
Khan said the choices left on the table were “appalling”: May’s deal which would “destroy opportunities for the next generation” or “a catastrophic no-deal Brexit”. He said the latter option would cause nothing short of a major national emergency.
“Some say a fresh public vote will cause further division. I disagree – it is the opportunity we desperately need to heal the divisions that have only widened since the referendum,” he said.
Some of the best signs from the march today.
my sign for today 🤪 #PeoplesVoteMarch pic.twitter.com/XI2V4fm38f
— asli (@biebsbuterabeer) March 23, 2019
See you on the #PeoplesVoteMarch babies! Nice sign from the stalwart defender of decency @petefowlerart pic.twitter.com/w1AVdMDgvm
— al doyle (@aldoyletweets) March 23, 2019
Placards kicking off a strong showing #PeoplesVoteMarch pic.twitter.com/9eEKqu6jIC
— Roz DeKett (@RozDeKett) March 23, 2019
The Independent Group tweeted a video of their MP Anna Soubry on the march, cheering when the organisers claimed that 1 million people were in attendance.
Alongside the video posted on the parliamentary group’s official Twitter account, they wrote: “We’ve just heard how many people have come along to the PutItToThePeople march in London today!
“Incredible support from people along the route too. Thank you. ChangePolitics.”
Updated
Sophia Khan emailed to say that her family were unable to make it to the march today, but her 10-year-old daughter sent the following message to No 10:
Dear prime minister, I may only be ten, but I’m still worried about the UK’s future.
Leaving the EU with your deal will not work. Leaving the EU with no deal will not work. Leaving the EU with a hard Brexit will not work. Leaving the EU will not work!!
If Brexit happens, it’ll affect my future, and all other young people’s future badly. It’ll affect living standards, costs of living, jobs, my rights as a citizen, prices, etc.
Again, I’m not an adult, but I can still have an opinion.
Schools and hospitals won’t have enough resources, and they don’t even have many now! I am currently homeschooled, but I used to go to a school that was very low on resources anyway.
I want a people’s vote. Give the decision back to the people. If nobody wanted a people’s vote, why are there millions of people marching on your doorstep at this very moment?
This is unfair. We want to have a choice on what happens with the country. This is our country too, we have an opinion.
Updated
Difficult to get to London from #Shetland so we’re participating in #PeoplesVoteMarch in Lerwick today. Great turn-out on a freezing cold day. #RevokeArticle50Now pic.twitter.com/oYI8IXgbbD
— Gary Robinson #RevokeArt50Now #FBPE (@garyrobi) March 23, 2019
This is 94 year old Else - she’s Danish and lived here in UK for 70 years #PeoplesVoteMarch - she’s marching today with her family who have settled here 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/G1PPQEIhwg
— Katie Pilbeam (@KatiePilbeamTV) March 23, 2019
A count of marchers has topped 1 million
Rally hosts Mariella Frostrup and Richard Bacon have taken to the stage in Parliament Square. They claim that an initial count of demonstrators shows that the estimated number of people taking part in the march has topped 1 million.
Updated
Estimates are in for the numbers who are out on the streets today: 1 million people.
Just announced from stage, estimated to be more than one million here. Here’s Claude, 92, on his first ever march #PutIttothePeople pic.twitter.com/Ld3ediC6vG
— Carole Cadwalladr (@carolecadwalla) March 23, 2019
Updated
Ronan McLaverty-Head, a teacher, shared this message with us:
As a teacher I have been advising my students for years to consider studying in Europe. Brexit blows a hole in that opportunity. My own son was offered a place to study at the prestigious Leiden University in Holland for September but had to decline as no one could say what tuition fees he would be paying either in the event of no deal or after any transition. This is why the march is so important: among many other problems, Brexit takes opportunities away from young Britons and makes them second class members of their own continent (unless they are lucky enough to be able to get an Irish passport).
Here is his tweet on the subject:
My son was offered a place to study at @UniLeiden but as it is impossible to know what tuition fees he would be paying, he had to decline. #Brexit takes a hammer to British kids' prospects. That is why we need an #ExitFromBrexit via @PeoplesVote_UK #PutitothePeopleMarch
— Ronan McLaverty-Head (@ronanhead) March 23, 2019
Updated
After one reader said they’d written to No 10, we have had a few others sharing their messages to the prime minister:
I took your contributor’s suggestion and used the Number 10 Contact form to send a message direct to Theresa May. Thanks for sharing this suggestion! Here is my message:
Almost three years since a deeply flawed advisory referendum, won by the narrowest of margins, and with absolutely no clear single interpretation of the outcome, the country is almost at the point of a no-deal crash. For what appear to me impenetrable reasons, your government has stubbornly ploughed a single furrow to get us here. And yet, after two of the most resounding parliamentary defeats in all history, and with clear evidence the country as a whole no longer supports Brexit, you still appear determined to resist any change of course. I can only conclude that you have forgotten the office of prime minister is one of service to the people. Not some imaginary people living in a different Britain three years ago, but the real people here now. Many of whom are marching in London today. You have claimed that only Brexit can heal the divide in our society now. Brexit can never heal the divide, when those who most aggressively promoting are a principal cause of it. Revoke article 50 now!
Updated
An aerial shot of those walking through the streets of London on Saturday.
Large screens dotted along Whitehall are explaining how people can text and tweet their support for the Put it to the People march as music plays across the square where thousands have gathered.
On a small stage on Whitehall, a group of people are singing songs reworded with anti-Brexit lyrics. Meanwhile, speakers are gathering behind a large stage on Parliament Square where MPs and celebrities are expected to address the crowd.
Updated
This is getting cheers#PutitothePeopleMarch
— Paul Johnson (@paul__johnson) March 23, 2019
@sloumarsh pic.twitter.com/um6Xjroq2B
Ian Robertson, who is marching today, emailed to say:
I have made it to Parliament Square. I am not going to let my stage four cancer prevent me from fighting the madness overtaking our country.
More people are also sharing support from abroad, with Ignaty Dyakov, saying:
[I] Can’t be at #PeoplesVoteMarch in London in person to say #notobrexit and demand #RevokeArticle50 so joining in in spirit from the Himalayas to support the cause. From that high up it is especially clear that we can help our wonderful world in crisis only by being together - including Britain and other European countries.
I'm a Londoner soon moving north @sloumarsh so can't make today, but been on marches against cuts before. With many friends there today, it feels the definition of democractic action. My daughter's future's at stake so it's about showing the EU we still love them & to #StopBrexit
— Guy Hornsby (@GuyHornsby) March 23, 2019
Updated
More people from abroad showing support for the march. Anne Hopkins emailed to say: “So disappointed to be in Australia and not marching as I did in October. Following helicopter coverage all through the night.”
We regret we're in Canada today on a longstanding commitment because we'd love to be back in London to attend the march. If you're able to go, then PLEASE GO! You might be lucky & meet a star like Femi Oluwole @Femi_Sorry as I did at the September march #PutItToThePeople pic.twitter.com/p0xCUloBm4
— George Ferzoco #QueueJumper (@gferzoco) March 23, 2019
And in Britain, Sandra Lovell, 79, takes her grandchildren Agnes, 11, and Wilfred, nine, with her to walk in London.
Updated
Sadiq Khan tweeted a video of the countdown launching the Put it to the People march, as he held up a banner at the front of demonstrators.
And we're off! 🙌
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 23, 2019
Here in London, thousands of people from across our city and country have come together with @peoplesvote_uk to send a clear message:
Enough is enough - it's time to give the British public the final say on Brexit. #PeoplesVote 🇪🇺#PutItToThePeople 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/wJzXF4UB6N
Updated
Matt Sears sent a message to the Guardian saying he cannot attend the march but wants his voice to be heard so he has used the number 10 contact form and encourages others to do the same.
Here is his message:
I cannot march but I am writing to express my dismay at the position our country is now in and to ask you to do something about it. Ken Clarke is right that referenda are generally a bad idea, especially when concerned with complicated matters. It is clear that people voted leave for a number of reasons and any alternatives are numerous and disparate. Failure to set a proper margin for victory or ask anything beyond a binary question in the referendum has left the country deeply divided. Despite this, you seem to have decided that you alone know what those 17 million people voted for. A cross-party approach to Brexit was the chance to heal the divisions yet you have failed to properly consult and collaborate with parliament in a timely fashion. This has led to the country facing a Hobson’s choice of your deal or no deal. We live in a parliamentary democracy yet both these outcomes have been rejected by parliament. I urge you to respect democracy, change position and avert disaster. Thank you.
Updated
A lot of you have been tweeting me to share your thoughts. Here is a selection on why people are marching or wish they could.
I can't be there (still mostly housebound/on-bed) but am watching TFL Traffic cams! here's a screengrab I made of the crowd in Piccadilly: pic.twitter.com/Enu3lPciVu
— Joanne Clements #NHSLove (@joannekarma) March 23, 2019
#countmetoo As a British citizen serving as Head of the EU’s Delegation in Tanzania, I can’t make it for today's #PeopleVoteMarch but with you all in spirit! #PutItToThePeople #RevokeArticle50.
— Charlie Stuart (@Charlie90509514) March 23, 2019
My thoughts @sloumarsh : I really really don't want Brexit. But even more than that, I really want a new government. I support the huge numbers protesting today, but also wish more people were as passionate about other social issues affecting our country.
— Katy Chubb (@katychubb) March 23, 2019
The EU citizens who are still in limbo said they were “marching today to fight for the future of the country they call home”.
Elena Remigi, the founder of the In Limbo Project, together with her husband Alessandro, Beate Metz, Thomas Heynes and many other members told the Guardian they were ready to stand up and fight.
Updated
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Vince Cable has tweeted his support for a second referendum after launching the Put it to the People march in central London.
Great to kick off the #PeoplesVoteMarch just now. There is a huge turnout of people here from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the country. We are a Remain country now with 60% wanting to stop the Brexit mess. #ExitfromBrexit #PutitToThePeople pic.twitter.com/9Osfwd1Jc0
— Vince Cable (@vincecable) March 23, 2019
Updated
Dan Sabbagh is updating from the march, reporting on the speeches made by a group of leftwing politicians, unions and campaigners, who have come together to launch a united Left Bloc group.
Lloyd Russell Moyle says "Brexit is a right wing, xenophobic capitalist ploy" and says "a People's Vote *or revoking Article 50 entirely* is one of the best ways of saving Britain".
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
Marsha De Cordova says "we should revoke Article 50 and let people have the final say". Then Laura Parker "were are not here because we want a fucking single market"...we want friendship, solidarity and love with other Europeans...
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
"Good morning Europe," yells Clive Lewis, arm and microphone outstretched. Acknowledges Labour and other political parties have their splits on Brexit but says the Tory plan amounts to "imperialism 2.0"...
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
Updated
Thousands of people have begun marching through central London to demand the public get a final say on Brexit. The march began at midday as demonstrators started from Hyde Park Corner towards Parliament Square. Large EU flags are being flown by people throughout the crowd. Marching bands, whistles and cheers are providing a constant backdrop of noise. People are being led in chants for a “people’s vote”.
Updated
Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn is hundreds of miles away in Morecambe, where he will be speaking at a local election campaign
Updated
A message spotted from a ski-lift connecting Meribel to Val Thorens in France:
Updated
Transport for London has issued a note about the routing of the demonstration.
⚠ CENTRAL LONDON MARCH ⚠ The crowds have gathered on Park Lane and will march via Piccadilly, St James's Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall to Parliament Square, where they will hold a rally which is expected to end at approximately 1700. pic.twitter.com/xdGept2OeX
— TfL Traffic News (@TfLTrafficNews) March 23, 2019
Updated
Melanie Perry sent a photo in of her two children who are marching today. Otis is 11 and Cole is 9. Perry, aged 50, is marching alongside her husband Tom, 43. She said:
My husband and I are marching because this is a historic moment and we want to be able to say we played our part no matter what the outcome. It is a chance for us to get out of our bubble down here and show the kids that the world is bigger and it is important to make a stand for what you believe in.
Our eldest son has just started to be aware of politics and what it means and this is a great opportunity for him to see and hear the views of the speakers today. He was keen to be involved especially since finding out some of his friends are also going.
Our youngest son is fascinated by the sound of a ‘march’ and wondered if it would be violent but we assured him it will be a peaceful protest.
A Tweet by @UKLabour asking for canvassing help on the doorstep today has sparked thousands of outraged responses from people frustrated at Labour’s Brexit position.
Final straw for me I think, if the party continues to ignore this I'll cancel my membership.
— the plantman (@the_plant_man) March 23, 2019
Updated
Dan Sabbagh tweets this about Caroline Lucas:
Caroline Lucas says a People's Vote must "not be about some vapid centrism" as she argues it should be a vehicle for change in a speech where she pourns scorn on Nigel Farage and his much smaller Brexit march..
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 23, 2019
Updated
We talked to different people from around the UK about why they are marching.
Naomi Thompson, 36, from Devon
I’m marching because when this is all over, I want a clean conscience, to know I have done everything I could to stop Brexit. Oh, and I want good stories to tell my grandchildren. Assuming we all survive.
Delia Smith, 77, Suffolk (yes, that Delia Smith)
During the referendum, people were just given two options on a ballot paper and I think they were stuck. There were promises over the NHS. Now we have had time to think it through and it’s so clear that leaving will be awful.
Read some more from them and others in the article:
The online petition calling for the government to cancel Brexit has now reached more than 4,150,000 signatures and has become the most popular to be submitted to the parliament website.
The Revoke Article 50 petition on Saturday leapt ahead of a 2016 petition, which also called for a second EU referendum.
Updated
The Guardian has received lots of emails and messages about why people are marching today, and even messages of solidarity from those who can’t make it.
Steve Clark and Kim Taylor sent over a photo and a picture, saying: “We proudly went up to London on the last march, but we booked a holiday in Vietnam this time around. We are avidly following the Guardian newsfeeds and are there in spirit! Good luck and thanks!”
A similar message came through on Twitter:
#countmetoo I cant make it for today's #PeopleVoteMarch like I could last time, but with you all in spirit! #PutItToThePeople personally I think we should #RevokeArticle50. Its beautiful to see this country coming together in #solidarity today! pic.twitter.com/aEv0fzVvCj
— Dr. Salma Raheem (@salma_raheem) March 23, 2019
Bethan Tichborne said there were so many people travelling from Oxford to London that there were “queues of around a hundred people at some stops and the coaches are going past later stops without picking anyone up”.
Natasha Walter sent over some photographs of her children’s banners.
Updated
Four coaches, each carrying 50 passengers, are travelling from Scotland to London for the march, with many more people making their own way. The assembly point for Scottish protesters is at the Achilles statue in the south-east corner of Hyde Park, with organisers telling people to look out for Saltires and tartan.
All four coaches sold out quickly, with waiting lists operating, and a crowdfunder raised more than £4,000 to help subsidise travel. The European Movement in Scotland held a rally in Festival Square on Friday night to send off the marchers. Coaches picked up people from Perth, Stirling and Gretna, with some marchers travelling from as far afield as Orkney and Stornoway on the Western Isles.
Updated
An interesting proposal for what to do in case of a hard Brexit has appeared in Marble Arch, London.
Spotted at Marble Arch. pic.twitter.com/dYWQ58vSIu
— Henry Fosdike (@justmetalking) March 23, 2019
British in Europe, representing UK citizens settled in the rest of the EU, have been flying in for the march in the past 24 hours. Their frustration is that they have become bargaining chips and couldn’t vote in the referendum.
British in Europe are arriving in droves from across the EU. We may not be able to vote but we can sign petitions and MARCH! Have a great day Gavin 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️🚶♂️ https://t.co/WwCoQx2ICW
— British in Europe (@BritishInEurope) March 23, 2019
Thank you for millions of us in Europe that can’t be there today, and had no vote, but want to fight for our children’s futures! https://t.co/QcwCgikNjH
— British in Italy (@BRITISHinITALY) March 23, 2019
Here we go! #RevokeArticle50 #PeoplesVote Time to stop #Brexit!!!! pic.twitter.com/mUb8Egg8GH
— Zoe Adams Green 🇪🇺 (@ZAdamsGreen) March 23, 2019
Updated
Some more images from people taking part in the march, posted on Twitter.
At 55, today I’m going on my first protest march, just travelling up from Dorset. I have never been a member of a political party but I joined the @LibDems a few weeks ago to #ExitFromBrexit
— Clifford Sutton 🔸 (@cliff_944) March 23, 2019
That how strongly I feel about this Brexit madness. It’s got to stop.#PeoplesMarch
What he says. #Swindon #PeoplesMarch pic.twitter.com/PIzuTgFMId
— Graham Carter (@GrahamRCarter) March 23, 2019
Michael O’Carroll from Swansea said there are almost three times as many people on coaches from the Welsh city as there were for the last people’s vote march in October.
Almost 3 times as many people from Swansea today compared to October #PVRoadtrip #PutItToThePeople #PutItToThePeopleMarch pic.twitter.com/fG3lCLTcrM
— Michael O'Carroll (@MikeEOCarroll) March 23, 2019
Peter Corr emailed the Guardian to say: “I am on a train to London surrounded by people dressed in blue and gold with an array of placards and banners. It is standing room only but good humoured. There is a tangible sense of solidarity and common purpose – to save this country from itself.”
He added: “I think the tide is turning.”
Updated
Here are a selection of posters and images from the march, with people travelling from all over Britain to attend.
currently crossing Trafalgar Square 😂👍 pic.twitter.com/G7ND4rkUd8
— Chris Kendall 🇪🇺 (@ottocrat) March 23, 2019
Great photo on the Wrexham coach showing the amazing atmosphere leading up to the People’s Vote march in London today. 👏👏👏 #PutitothePeoplemarch @WalesForEurope #PeoplesVote pic.twitter.com/1aGHoEBC1K
— Wrexham For Europe #FBPE (@Wrexhamforeu) March 23, 2019
Look out London, we’re on our way from South Wales!#StopBrexit#RevokeArticle50#PutitothePeopleMarch #PutItToThePeople#PVRoadTrip#PBTeithioFfyrdd pic.twitter.com/cBsrSGr5xu
— Vale of Glamorgan 4 Europe #FBPE🏴🇬🇧 (@ValeforEurope) March 23, 2019
See you there! #PeoplesVoteMarch https://t.co/pHqsaxmqzw
— Sarah Wollaston MP (@sarahwollaston) March 23, 2019
A bit of Blue Peter placard construction going on at Reading services 👏#PVRoadTrip #Swansea4Europe #PeopesVoteMarch #PutItToThePeople pic.twitter.com/qSs4QKpt1N
— SwanseaForEurope#FBPE 🏴 (@Swansea4Europe) March 23, 2019
Our first coach is on the way from #Chester. We set off at 6.30am on our #PVRoadtrip
— Chester for Europe #FBPE (@chesterforeu) March 23, 2019
Can’t wait to see everyone pic.twitter.com/oIAKU9hqtF
Just north of Birmingham. Last stop before London for the #PeopleVoteMarch Edinburgh buses. All is well, send coffee. #PeoplesVote #OurVoteOurFuture pic.twitter.com/RFUdnqTfsu
— Kristoffer Boesen (@OnkelGobber) March 23, 2019
Totnes and Kingsbridge coaches underway. #PVRoadTrip @sarahwollaston @Devon4Europe pic.twitter.com/hjv9Yyjj4D
— Peter Sturdgess #FBPE (@petersturdgess) March 23, 2019
Updated
A group of leftwing politicians, unions and campaigners have come together to launch a united Left Bloc group at the march.
The coalition, organised by Another Europe is Possible, is backed by the Green party, the TSSA union, Left Unity, Open Labour and Labour for a Socialist Europe, as well as a number of prominent Labour MPs.
Clive Lewis, the MP for Norwich South, said: “Brexit is a Tory project. It’s about deregulating the economy, and attacking the rights of workers and migrant workers alike … So we are marching together as a left bloc because we refuse to accept the idea the anti-Brexit movement is the property of just centrist politicians.”
Left Bloc aimed to mobilise massive turnout from the left, while putting forward a clear leftwing message at the heart of the protest. This includes calling for a Green New Deal and fighting the rise of the far right. They planned to meet at 11am outside the Dorchester hotel to hold a separate rally.
The move follows Labour’s shift to backing a second referendum as a means of stopping a Tory-led Brexit.
Amelia Womack, the deputy leader of the Green party, said: “It has never been more important for the left to come together and stand against the politics of hate which has been allowed to run riot in Britain.”
Updated
Tom Watson, the deputy Labour party leader, will be the star attraction joining the anti-Brexit march in the clearest sign yet that Labour will back a second referendum to end the national crisis.
It was previously thought none of Jeremy Corbyn’s top team would be at the march.
Watson, who has been warned recently that the leadership must accommodate the full spectrum of positions in the Labour party, is expected to tell the crowds: “The current impasse is not working for people who voted to leave or people who voted to stay. I really don’t think parliament will be able to resolve this.
“That’s why I’ve come to the reluctant view that the only way to resolve this and have legitimacy in the eyes of the public is for the people themselves to sign it off.”
The move significantly increases the pressure on Corbyn to end months of uncertainty over Labour’s position on a new referendum, before a possible third meaningful vote on the prime minister’s deal next week.
Updated
March to start in Park Lane at 12pm
As demonstrators continue to arrive in central London, a large banner was unfurled on Westminster Bridge that read “Love socialism, hate Brexit”, a stunt organised by a group calling itself the Left Bloc, which is supported by Labour MPs, including Clive Lewis and Kate Osamor, among others.
The march will start in Park Lane at 12pm, proceeding through the centre of the capital to Parliament Square where there will be speeches from 2pm from political leaders, celebrities and campaigners, kicked off by Sir Vince Cable and a group of young campaigners.
Among the list of speakers are London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, the comedian and TV presenter Sandi Toksvig, the SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, the Conservative peer Michael Heseltine, the comedian Steve Coogan, and Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson. Watson will be speaking just after 3pm.
Updated
Speaking before her appearance at the rally, where she’ll share a platform with the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, and the Conservative peer Michael Heseltine, Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, described the state of political turmoil as “the moment of maximum opportunity”.
In a statement, Sturgeon says: “The EU’s decision to postpone things until at least April 12 has opened a window, and those of us who oppose Brexit must seize the chance it offers.”
Urging the Commons to “take back control” from May and secure an even longer extension to allow time for a new referendum to be held, she adds: “The prime minister and her government have proved completely incapable of delivering on the result of the 2016 vote, which is why it is right that this should now go back to the people.”
She also insists the Brexit chaos makes the case for Scottish independence “stronger than it has ever been”. Sturgeon is still hedging her bets when it comes to announcing her own plans regarding a second independence referendum.
She told the Holyrood chamber at first minister’s question on Thursday that she would lay out her thinking “in the coming days”. Seasoned observers read this as a variation on “in the coming weeks” and “after the fog of Brexit clears”. These have been the Scottish National party leader’s other favoured formulations as she maintains a challenging balance between the agitation of many party activists and some parliamentarians who want her to act now and her own understanding of the country’s mood.
Polling continues to suggest that the public are not keen on a second independence referendum within five years, while Brexit has failed to push support for leaving the UK up to the convincing margin of around 60% that insiders believe is critical for a second poll to succeed.
Sturgeon’s presence at the rally is significant though. Her party swung behind a second Brexit referendum late last year, despite the fact that a significant minority of SNP voters supported leave in 2016. Many still hold reservations that a second EU referendum may set an unhelpful precedent for a second independence vote, but throughout the Brexit process Sturgeon has emphasised the SNP’s willingness to work across the parties to reach a workable consensus.
Updated
Are you going on the People's Vote march tomorrow? I'll be there for @guardian. Tell me - in a tweet - about you and your motivations for going -
— Dan Sabbagh (@dansabbagh) March 22, 2019
Guardian journalist Dan Sabbagh will be reporting from the march today, and he tweeted beforehand to ask people why they are marching. Here are a selection of the responses.
I am a German scientist resident in London. I came to an open, confident, welcoming, democratic UK with a special status in the EU. Brexit has paralysed democratic governance, damaged economy, will worsen inequality, pander to xenophobes. I want to see my adopted home restored.
— Robert Busch (@robert_busch65) March 22, 2019
My government claims I don’t exist. I’m demonstrating that I do and I’m not going anywhere.
— Dr Katy Layton-Jones (@seefootnote) March 23, 2019
I will be marching for my children's right to live, love, study and work in 27 other countries.
— Liz Needham #FBPE #PeoplesVote 🔶🇪🇺🌍🇮🇪 (@lizneedhamSTAR) March 22, 2019
I am marching for my granddaughter's right to grow up in a peaceful world.
I am marching for YOU.#PutItToThePeopleMarch
My 90 year old mother-in-law too - she voted Leave because she is very right wing and just wanted to see the chaos. My son asked her to vote Remain for his 18th birthday gift (he was too young to vote by 2 weeks) and she refused.😢
— Cathie Wood #FBPE (@cathie_wood) March 22, 2019
Updated
Organisers have said hundreds of thousands are expected to descend on London today. Although they wouldn’t give exact numbers they said they hoped it would be bigger than the last march, in October, which drew 700,000. Speakers will include the comedian Steve Coogan, and the broadcaster and journalist Mariella Frostrup will be compering.
Updated
The former Ukip leader, Nigel Farage, joined the March to Leave in Linby, Nottinghamshire today. He spoke to around 200 Brexit supporters, saying Theresa May had reduced the nation “to a state of humiliation”.
The march started in Sunderland a week ago and organisers hope to arrive in London on the original Brexit day of 29 March. Farage said those gathering for the People’s Vote march in London were not the majority, before leading the crowds through the village.
Speaking to the Press Association, Farage said: “What has happened this week is not only a national humiliation but it is an outright betrayal, because Mrs May now tells us we’re not leaving next Friday despite telling us over a hundred times that we would be, despite putting a piece of law in place supported by 500 MPs.”
Updated
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme on Saturday, the former Labour MP David Miliband said: “This is a time where we have to address the Brexit issue … it gets in the way of addressing the big issues facing the country.”
He also reinforced his support for the Labour party, saying it was deep in his DNA and if there was a vote, he wouldn’t change sides. “I am a Labour supporter, certainly, there is unprecedented strain on the political system,” he said.
Updated
Thousands gather for march - share your day
Welcome to the Guardian’s live blog of the People’s Vote march, calling for another vote on Brexit. Hundreds of thousands are expected to descend on central London. Are you going? If you are, please share your photos, videos and quotes with us. Email: sarah.marsh@theguardian.com – thanks all.
Updated
