LONDON — 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 EU 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 EU” as they descended on Parliament Square.
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 EU.
Britain has yet to formally declare its intention to break with the EU, 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.
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