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People's Vote March: 'It's the most British march I've ever seen, one person is drinking tea'

Friends, families and their futures motivated the estimated one million People’s Vote marchers who filled London’s streets waving EU flags on Saturday.

The huge crowds, many draped in blue and yellow, strode in unison through the capital as they rallied for another referendum.

Though angry at the “awful” state of the Brexit process, the majority gave positive reasons for their action, as they harked to the benefits they see from EU membership.

Rowena Harkeleder, 82, travelled from Grassington in Yorkshire to be at the event and was representing 81 friends who could not make it.

While holding a “grannies against Brexit” sign, she told the Standard: “I started two weeks ago and told people I’m walking on the march and said, ‘I will march for you.’”

Rowena, centre (Jacob Jarvis)
Rowena, centre (Jacob Jarvis)

Some people were unable to make it due to the travel costs or the strain of the occasion.

She said: “Brexit was absolutely wrong, there’s black and white in very few things but it’s totally, totally wrong.”

Her friend Judith Joy, 77, said: “All our grandchildren are going to have to pay for this.”

David Love, 68, travelled from Devon and said he is marching for his grandchildren.

He told the Standard: “I think it’s terrific to see so many people here.

“My problem with Mrs May is she is putting party before country.

The march saw people from up and down the country attend (Jacob Jarvis)
The march saw people from up and down the country attend (Jacob Jarvis)

“I think if you consider the opinion polls now there has been a shift to remain.

“I think if there were another referendum it would win 55 to 45.”

Mr Love said 16 coaches travelled from Devon today and there are “similar groups all over the country”.

“We we’re voting for the reality of staying in versus the fantasy of being out.

“I think there’s some imaginary vision of the empire being resurrected.”

Sarah and Andrew Smith attended the march on their sixth wedding anniversary and felt it was their duty to do so.

Mr Smith, 54, said: “It’s got to be done. We’ve got to get our priorities right.

“You can see by how many people have families here this is what matters.”

Mrs Smith, 40, agreed and said they would have not have been anywhere else today, having travelled from Bracknell.

Asked what they would have done if there were not at the march, she said: “We’d have been at the pub - which we will do later.”

(PA)
(PA)

French national Anne-Sophie Cochelov has lived in England for eight years and said it is “heartbreaking” to feel some people do not want her here. She told the Standard: “I’m French so I couldn’t vote but were a big part of the UK.

“It’s a bit heartbreaking feeling like you’re not welcome anymore, but I think the majority of people think this shouldn’t happen.”

Her friend Richard Kaby, dressed in a blue and yellow outfit with a homemade EU hat, told the Standard: “It’s such a serious thing.

“I just feel buoyed by how many people are here. I feel happy that something is being done. I hope it’s not too late.

“I think it’s totally ridiculous how Brexit is being handled.

(ITV)
(ITV)

“I feel quite hurt by it that it has divided the nation.”

Many cross-party MPs were in attendance as well

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson said his daughter motivated his attendance.

He told the crowds: "We are one million strong. But there's only one reason I'm here today... my 10-year-old daughter. And she has told me to thank you for campaigning for her future. Thank you.”

The Independent Group’s Anna Soubry was also filmed cheering at the march. Alongside the video posted on the parliamentary group's official Twitter, 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."

Green Party MP also attended and tweeted: “We are a popular uprising. We are the north, south, east & west.

“We are the young and old. We are the will of the people too.”

Independent Group MPs Chuka Umunna and Anna Soubry have a selfie taken with Tracey Ullman as they join anti-Brexit campaigners (PA)
Independent Group MPs Chuka Umunna and Anna Soubry have a selfie taken with Tracey Ullman as they join anti-Brexit campaigners (PA)

Throughout the day members of the crowd proudly complimented the conduct of those in attendance.

One person said: “It’s the most British march I’ve ever seen. Everyone is so polite. I’ve seen one person drinking tea.”

While another said: “This is the best of British people. This is who we are.”

Many of those in attendance brought children and pets along, who mingled among the huge swathes of people.

Though police supervised from the ground and above with helicopters, the atmosphere seemed largely cordial between those backing the cause.

Even when queues of people were turned away from the overflowing Parliament Square, they turned around to gather elsewhere and chatted as they went.

The sound of drums, whistles and cheers rang through the congregation as they waved their placards aloft.