In the aftermath of the EU referendum result, we Stand Together.
__What Is This?__
We created this event because we felt anger at the whole referendum process. That something so profound could be decided by something that there were so many flaws with.
After the result - as Remain voters - we felt our voices would no longer be heard. We feared that was it; that there would be no further discussion allowed for those who had voted Remain.
We feel that continued public engagement following the...
In the aftermath of the EU referendum result, we Stand Together.
__What Is This?__
We created this event because we felt anger at the whole referendum process. That something so profound could be decided by something that there were so many flaws with.
After the result - as Remain voters - we felt our voices would no longer be heard. We feared that was it; that there would be no further discussion allowed for those who had voted Remain.
We feel that continued public engagement following the result is also a part of the democratic approach. We wanted to create a public space to begin that dialogue.
It would have been easy for this event to advocate one particular petition or action, but we believe it’s too early for anyone to say what that action should be.
Equally, we feel that the genuine Leave vote needs to be respectfully listened to, understood, and engaged with. Division got us into this, and it probably won’t help get us out of it.
To sum up, this event in Trafalgar Square will be an opportunity to come together, make your feelings heard, begin to build consensus, and hopefully, turn the emotion of the referendum result into positive action.
Note: This event is one of multiple Stand Together events across the country. This is not a movement that intends to be solely London-centric. For a full list of other events, see the bottom of this message.
__Why?__
There’s been much sorrow and anger after the referendum result. Whilst understandable, we believe it’s now time to come together.
It's sad also to think that some people across Europe now think of Britain as non-inclusive, closed and inward-looking. We believe that Britain is better than that.
Stand Together is our mark of showing that - in consideration of the EU Referendum result - we stand alongside the people of Europe to show we are inclusive, open and patient to all, regardless of age, gender, race, demography, location, and whether they voted Leave or Remain.
We believe that the best way forward is to understand all voters' emotions and reasonings. In doing so, we hope to help change the dialogue from something negative and divisive into a more positive one.
We want to stand in solidarity with the entirety of the UK and Europe to say we’re here, we’re open, and wanting to understand how best to go forward in a positive manner.
__The Event Itself__
More details to follow!
__Principles__
This an event for the people, and to ensure we don't dictate what we think people should do or think, we’ve written the following principles:
1. Participation: This is an event for all, and so all - whether Remain, Leave, or other - are welcome. We simply ask that respect is given to those around you, and all participation moves away from any verbal or physical violent acts.
2. Positivity: We promote healthy, positive debate, and don't want to move the energy from working towards next steps into a blame game. We don't base prejudice based a person’s decision to vote.
3. Leave no trace: We want to commit to leaving no physical trace of our presence after we gather – and so clean up after ourselves.
4. Non-partisan politics: We believe healthy debate with the political system is vital, however this is not a space for partisan politics. We don’t believe one party or politician has all of the answers, and we don’t expect them to.
We have invited UK and Europe to stand with us, and as such there are a number of other events happening to reflect this idea.
__What You Can Do__
More details to follow, but for the time being, please continue to spread the message of this event.
_____
__All Events__
London event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1671704409745795
Oxford event: https://www.facebook.com/events/559875920881119/
Manchester event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1044046729022694/
Cardiff event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1809240625973562/
Liverpool event:https://www.facebook.com/events/115764592186546/
Cambridge event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/892607070884452/
Banner-making workshop at RCA:
https://www.facebook.com/events/989320301175795/
______
Please note: The police have been informed about this event, and we are currently awaiting final sign-off.
Press enquiries: londonstays2016@gmail.com