Brexit protest draws thousands in London

An E.U. flag is flown near Big Ben in London as thousands of people gather to take part in a march through the center of the city to protest Britain's polarizing vote to leave the European Union. (Niklas Halle’n/AFP/Getty Images)

 Thousands of demonstrators marched in the streets here Saturday to vent their frustration over Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, as the divided country struggles to define a new path forward.
The outcome of the referendum has created chaos inside the top echelons of British politics, fractured relations with the 27 other nations in the E.U. and weakened the country’s economy. Although the measure passed last month with a solid majority across most of England, voters in London overwhelmingly supported remaining within the decades-old alliance.

At the rally Saturday, several protesters said they wanted to ensure their voices are heard as the debate shifts to the terms of Britain’s departure. The event was billed as a march for Europe, with more than 27,000 people signed up to attend on Facebook, although it was unclear how many actually attended. Under mostly sunny skies and a few showers, protesters draped themselves in European flags and carried signs reading “We love E.U.” as they descended on Parliament Square.



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“We have to accept it,” said Brian Walters, 49, of the vote to leave. “But we don’t have to like it. We can’t just go away.”



A petition to hold a second referendum on a British exit — popularly known as Brexit — has garnered more than 4 million signatures, although such a move is generally considered a political long shot. At Saturday’s rally, some demonstrators instead suggested holding a public vote over any future agreement with the E.U.


“The British public needs a clear view of what the plan is,” said Dan Oakey, 46.


“And not commit national suicide,” added his 11-year-old son, Eduardo.


Britain has yet to formally declare its intention to break with the E.U., as outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron, who supported remaining, said that duty should be left to his successor. The race to replace him has turned into a Shakespearean-style drama that is splintering the governing Conservative Party, while the opposition Labour Party is grappling with a leadership crisis of its own — leaving the country without clear direction at a critical juncture in its history.


Speaking Saturday in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II did not directly address the turmoil but emphasized the importance of staying “calm and collected.”


“One hallmark of leadership in such a fast-moving world is allowing sufficient room for quiet thinking and contemplation, which can enable deeper, cooler consideration of how challenges and opportunities can be best addressed,” she said.


On Thursday, June 23, Britain voted to leave the European Union. The country is projected to become the first nation ever to leave the 28-member bloc in a result that will send economic and political shock waves across the globe. Read the latest here.



The U.K. just voted to leave the E.U. Here's what that means



THE RESULTS


There was a distinct divide over how different parts of Britain voted in the referendum.













HOW BRITAIN MIGHT LEAVE THE E.U.


1. Inform European Council


The member state decides if it wants to leave the E.U. by


informing the European Council.





2. Draft agreement


The European Council decides what agreement it wants to offer.






3. Negotiate


Details are ironed out with the European Commission.






4. Consent, then agree


The European Council, with consent of the European Parliament, concludes the agreement.






5. Wait


There is a two-year deadline to reach final agreement.









Quoted


“Let June the 23rd go down in our history as our independence day!”


Nigel Farage, a firebrand anti-E.U. leader, in a 4 a.m. celebration after the vote.




THE POUND DROPS


The British pound fell more than 10 percent on Thursday night, reaching $1.34 per pound.





1.4


1.5


May 24, 2016


Jun. 24, 2016


1.4623


1.3545


Source: Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Yahoo! Finance





CONTAGION EFFECT


Political leaders in Europe fear that the Brexit outcome could have an effect on other countries. France, Hungary, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece could follow Britain.











WHAT THE E.U. LOOKS LIKE NOW


Officially declared in 1993, the E.U. now counts 28 states as its members. But it wasn't always that way.









WHAT'S THE NEXT BEST MODEL?


Norway/Iceland


Pro: Least disruptive.


Con: Bad way to keep sovereignty.





Switzerland


Pro: More flexibility; An a la carte approach to E.U. rules.


Con: Constant negotiation.





Canada


Pro: Still possible to trade while controlling national borders.


Con: Too complex for Britain's connections with Europe.





World Trade Organization


Pro: No requirement to bow to trade rules.


Con: Marathon negotiations.