Thousands of protesters are expected to gather at Parliament Square today as MPs prepare to vote on whether to back Theresa May’s deal for leaving the European Union.
The so-called “meaningful vote” will take place later today as five days of debate on Brexit comes to a close.
Events listed on social media for demonstrations starting from 10am show there could be thousands of people from both sides of the debate converging outside the Houses of Parliament.
Organisers have said there will be screens available to watch the debate and result as well as speakers addressing the crowds.
Already, tensions are flaring as Leavers and Remainers have come head-to-head in the streets in recent days.
The Standard yesterday witnessed numerous bustups between campaigners on opposite sides.
From 10am, Stand of Defiance European Movement (Sodem) will hold a ‘Meaningful Vote Protest.’
The group describes themselves as “peaceful (if noisy) anti Brexit, pro EU protest.” Nearly 1,000 people have registered their interest to attend on Facebook.
From midday, the new political party Renew is expecting 50 people to attend their demonstration at Parliament Square.
Cambridge Stays has 3,000 people interested on Facebook to attend their demonstration. “You can join thousands of people outside in Parliament Square to watch the debate and outcome of the vote live on giant screens and hear from a huge variety of politicians and speakers live on stage,” the event description reads.
It adds: “MPs in Parliament will be able to hear us in the Square as they make their decision.”
Around 900 people could join London Earth Strike UK’s Climate Protest, which said it will be at the square today “demonstrating to save our planet.”
About 200 people are expected to join Another Europe is Possible to demonstrate at the square. And a few thousand are expected to join a protest organised by the People's Vote campaign for a second referendum.
A spokesman for Metropolitan Police said preparations to deal with the protests will be “appropriate and proportionate throughout the day”
