Things are heating up in Britain. Britain was supposed to leave the EU today, but during the recent days it has become more and more likely that there will be a delay – just how long, it is unclear. The chaotic cliffhanger continues. Prime Minister May promised to resign, if her Brexit deal is accepted. Her promise predictably started a fervorous leadership competition within the Conservative Party. (1) The hard-line Brexiteers lead by Nigel Farage will congregate on the Parliament Square around 4 p.m. GMT today. Farage tweeted yesterday:
“Westminster has betrayed the greatest democratic vote in the history of our country, and we won’t let them get away with it.” (2)
The far-right UKIP Party has been advertising their own Make Brexit Happen Rally which is sponsored by notorious far-right figure Tommy Robinson and his TR News service (3). Leader of UKIP Gerard Batten tweeted yesterday:
“There are reports that water cannon may be deployed tomorrow in London, & that some of the police may try to aggregate and provoke Brexiteers. There is always the danger of provocateurs planted to cause trouble. I hope it is not true but I call on everyone present to be peaceful.” (4)
Several far-right extremists and groups are going to try to cause riots and other trouble. For example, members of the UK “yellow vests” threatened on social media:
“If you stop Brexit, we’ll make the Paris riots look like a f***ing tea party.” (5)
Counter-protesters, including anti-fascists and trade unions, are going to oppose the far-right rallies. The police are bracing for possible unrest and clashes between different demonstrators. (5)
References:
1) “At least 10 cabinet ministers considering prime ministerial bids” The Guardian 28.3.2019
2) Nigel Farage on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/nigel_farage
3) UKIP National News 25.3.2019
https://www.ukip.org/national-ukip-news-item.php?id=196
4) Gerard Batten on Twitter:
5) “Brexit protest: Police brace for disorder after far-right threaten to riot at London rallies” The Independent 29.3.2019
IDIS Observer 