Paris Brexit protest today shows 'European solidarity'

Lib Dems in France together with Rift (Remain in France Together), other European centrists and campaigners from the British in Europe coalition groups will be at Place Saint-Augustin at 1:00 to 15:00.

Marching in parallel with what is expected to be the largest anti-Brexit march to date in London, Lib Dems in France say it is intended to pass the same message around Europe: “Britain’s place is at the heart of Europe, and we want to stop Brexit”.

They add that the protest is open to people of all political leanings and they have put out invitations to Conservatives in Paris and Labour to take part with them. "The fact we are with other colleagues from Renew Europe, including En Marche or potentially from Plus in Romania, shows there's European solidarity; it's not just our event."

Keynote speakers at the event will include Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Victoria Collins, the vice chairman of the British Community Committee of France Christopher Chantrey (representing the British in Europe coalition), Lib Dems in France Paris Coordinator Sonia Yazidi, members of Rift (independent campaign group for Britons in France) and Renew Europe (large centrist grouping in the European Parliament).

In a statement Lib Dems in France point out there are thought to be several hundred thousand Britons living in France, many of whom had not vote in the Brexit referendum.

“Despite being voiceless, thousands of British citizens in France have now lived unsure of their rights, and many lives have been turned upside down because of Brexit. This protest shows that the British government should listen to all its citizens,” Lib Dems in France said.

Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Victoria Collins said: “The latest Brexit deal is terrible, and the British people need to have the final say on it with a right to remain.

“Under this Brexit deal the United Kingdom will suffer economically which essentially means people’s everyday lives will continue to get harder.

“There is no deal, which is better than the deal we have now in the EU. For Brits living in Europe, the idea of losing the right to live and work here is unimaginable.

“That is also why also we should consider allowing all British citizens to vote in a People’s Vote. Their lives have clearly been impacted, and we cannot leave them voiceless.”

Ms Yazidi said: “The Liberal Democrats in the UK and in France passionately believe that Britain is stronger in the EU.

“The Lib Dems are the biggest and strongest Remain party and have been campaigning to stay in Europe for the last three years.

“The Lib Dems want a People’s Vote so that the country can have the final say on Brexit. We continue to oppose leaving the EU.

“Lib Dems France will do everything we can to protect the rights of U.K. citizens based in France and elsewhere in Europe.”