Cities across Europe, from Berlin to Bucharest, from Rome to London and including Edinburgh, will march on Saturday (25th March) to show their support for the European Union.
This day marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union, with the signing of the Treaties of Rome.
At the march, organised by Young European Movement Edinburgh with support from the European Movement in Scotland, marchers will show their support for the EU and opposition to Brexit, continuing to make the case for a European future for Scotland and the people who call it home.
Marchers will assemble at 1pm at Waterloo Place, making their way to the Scottish Parliament, where they will hear from a range of speakers including Ross Greer MSP from the Scottish Greens, Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP from the Liberal Democrats, former Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz, Tommy Sheppard MP and Joanna Cherry MP from the SNP.
The march comes in advance of the UK Government’s triggering of Article 50 which commences the Brexit negotiations on Wednesday 29th March.
While Scotland as a whole voted by 62% to 38% to remain in the EU, in Edinburgh this figure was even higher, with 74% wanting to remain and 26% wanting to leave, the highest proportion of Remainers in any major city in Britain.
The Treaties of Rome are the landmark agreements which founded the European Union and paved the way towards the creation of a European single market, underpinned by democracy and the rule of law, and a continent-wide set of citizens’ rights.
It’s well worth celebrating an unprecedented 60 years of peace, prosperity and co-operation in Europe, say the march organisers.
The EU remains as relevant as ever. This voluntary union of independent countries allows trade free of any barrier with our neighbours, in the wealthiest and largest trading bloc in the world and with some 50 other countries.
It means we can tackle global challenges like cyber-crime and climate change together – the only way such problems can be defeated. We enjoy rights and opportunities as EU citizens that simply cannot be replaced by Westminster, whether it is the right to study, work or retire across our continent or to take part in collaborative research projects, or to access EU funds for investment in Scotland.
Commenting on the march Vanessa Glynn, Chairman of the European Movement in Scotland said: “This march aims to show that Scotland is a European nation, that we oppose Brexit. It is vital that we actively defend what has been achieved through our membership of the European Union. I would urge all those who share our vision to come along.
“As the Westminster government is driving us off a Brexit cliff, we will say it loud and clear. Not in our name!
“We have not forgotten how far Britain has come since 1973. We have not forgotten the wars and extremism that ruined our continent before Europeans finally decided to unite their forces to create peace and prosperity instead.
“On Sunday the 26th of March the clocks go forward an hour, then they go back sixty years with the triggering of Article 50 on Wednesday.”
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