This Thursday (23rd May) Edinburgh people and citizens across the UK will go to the polls to elect MEPs to the European Parliament.
These elections are being widely regarded as a proxy “second referendum” on Brexit, and political parties divide into those in favour of remaining in the EU, those in favour of leaving, and those whose position is currently somewhat unclear.
Edinburgh voted 74% in favour of staying in the EU in the 2016 referendum, so it is no surprise that the city has seen strong pro-Europe campaigning ever since, in particular by the grassroots activists group of the European Movement in Scotland, a long-established non-party political organisation which supports the national People’s Vote UK campaign.
Actions were stepped up early in 2019. Since 12th February, a number of city centre locations have seen vigils five days a week, every week; pro-Europe activists wielding EU flags are now a familiar sight on Princes Street, whether at east or west end or foot of the Mound.
Street stalls have been held every Saturday, either in the centre or other parts of the city or region including Leith, Portobello and Dalkeith. Volunteers hand out informative flyers and give away stickers, and most importantly engage people in conversation about Brexit and its implications for our country’s future.
The vigils on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week at the foot of the Mound (EH2 2EL), 5-6pm, will culminate on Thursday – EU elections polling day.
A spokesperson for the activist group said: “We will be urging people to vote, and to vote Remain. This is a huge democratic opportunity to ‘Choose Your Future’, in the words of the European Parliament.
“Voting for a remain-supporting party gives the best chance of defeating the Brexit Party and UKIP. Scots made it very clear to Nigel Farage last week when he held an event in Edinburgh that his hateful brand of politics is not welcome in Scotland. We are confident that the total Remain vote will send a clear signal that the ‘will of the people’ is now to stay in the EU”.
“So this week of the EU elections is ‘Choose Your Future’ week. Pro-Europe activists will be celebrating this important democratic moment at our vigils at the foot of the Mound, 5-6pm, Tuesday to Thursday. Candidates from all remainsupporting parties in Scotland have been invited to visit us at the vigils”.
For more information, email us at ed.activists@euromovescotland.org.uk or call Morag on 07718 647487.
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