Despite the wet weather, thousands turned out for the ‘Cirque de Resistance’ (Carnival of Defiance) rally and the ‘End Austerity Now’ march on Sunday 29 September.
Planned to coincide with the Tory Party Conference, the aim of the anti-Brexit event was to call for an end to the “tyrannical and undemocratic government” doing everything in its power to drive the UK off the Brexit cliff.
Protestors met in Whitworth Park, then marched to Castlefield Bowl to hear speeches from politicians and campaigners alike. Speakers included Labour MEP – Julie Ward, Human Rights campaigner – Peter Tatchell, Anti-Brexit campaigner – Mike Galsworthy, of Scientists for EU/NHS for EU, campaigner Femi, of OFOC, and our own chair, Sue Wilson.
The event was also attended by some well-known campaigners, including EU Supergirl, Madeleina Kay and Steven Bray – Mr. Stop Brexit – and the SODEM crew. The Boris blimp, used at an earlier rally in London in July, also made an appearance.
Sue’s speech focused on the situation relating to Brits in the EU – the stereotypes, the threat to our rights, the failure of the British government to protect us, and our fight back! As Sue said in her speech, “we won’t sit back while our rights are stolen, we won’t sit back while this government destroys our country, and we won’t sit back while Brexit threatens all that we hold dear”.
Make sure you are doing all you can to fight back, by lobbying, writing to the newspapers, supporting campaigns and attending as many events as you can. There are plenty to choose from in October!
Sue Wilson, Chair of Bremain in Spain
