Cornwall for Europe, the campaigners for the UK to remain as members of the EU, celebrated at the weekend exactly three years after the country voted to leave. They held a rally in central Truro with speeches, songs and invited many passers by to chat and give their views. Despite the rain over 50 supporters turned out and Emmanuelle Brook, Chair of Cornwall for Europe declared the vent a great success. ‘People see us campaigning and many stop to chat, realising that our enthusiasm means we have something special to say. For three years our politicians have made a complete mess of things – the only way forward is to put it back to the people in a public vote.’
Emmanuelle was also able to brief Caroline Voaden, newly elected MEP, about the In Limbo Project. This is an organisation which helps support the millions of EU nationals who feel threatened by Brexit. Emmanuelle, who has lived in the UK for 20 years, is French. ‘We have testimonies from many people who feel shunned and are now unsure of their future. Britain was once such a welcoming country.’
In her speech to the crowd Caroline Voaden pledged to carry on the fight for keeping Britain in Europe and for a People’s Vote on any final say about Brexit.
There was also a message read out by another MEP, Molly Scott-Cato, who also gave support to the Cornwall for Europe campaign. She said MEPs are pressing for legal action on two important issues. The disgraceful way that EU citizens had been denied their right to vote in the MEP elections and also the way the police do not deal properly with aggressive behaviour of Brexit supporters, especially outside the Houses of Parliament.
Charles Boney spoke on behalf of Cornwall for Europe to thank all those who had campaigned to Remain. In only two years Cornwall for Europe has grown from a small band of enthusiasts to a large political campaign with more members, social media followers and public support than any political party in Cornwall. ‘We are a cross Party campaign and welcome anyone from political parties that support our aim to remain members of the EU.’
