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Hundreds of people turn out in London to protest against Brexit referendum result

Demonstrators calling for Government to ignore outcome of historic vote criticised for being anti-democratic

HUNDREDS of people have turned out in London to protest against the EU referendum result.

Demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square to voice their disapproval and call on Parliament to discard the outcome of the vote.

The relatively small crowd turned out in spite of the event being officially cancelled.

Around 50,000 had originally stated an interest in attending on the official Facebook page.

But organisers axed the event just hours before it was due to start citing safety concerns.

A post from the group earlier announced: “We’ve tried all we can to ensure this could go ahead.

“However logistically it’s not possible to ensure a safe event.

“Trafalgar Square can hold 10,000 people – and that’s with security barriers, stewards, road closures, and a full contingency plan.”

 Around 1,500 people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square to protest against the referendum result
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Around 1,500 people gathered in London's Trafalgar Square to protest against the referendum resultCredit: Getty Images
 People chanted pro-EU slogans and waved placards in the rain
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People chanted pro-EU slogans and waved placards in the rainCredit: Getty Images
 Many of the signs held and slogans chanted were aimed at Ukip and Nigel Farage
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Many of the signs held and slogans chanted were aimed at Ukip and Nigel FarageCredit: LNP
 Boris Johnson was also a target, with some people chanting 'EU forever, Boris never'
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Boris Johnson was also a target, with some people chanting 'EU forever, Boris never'Credit: LNP
 Lib Dem leader Tim Farron turned up to make a speech to the crowd that had gathered
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Lib Dem leader Tim Farron turned up to make a speech to the crowd that had gatheredCredit: London News Pictures Ltd

But a crowd of around 1,500 people still turned up in spite of the safety warning, according to the .

They stood in the rain, holding placards with messages like “More fromage, not Farage” and “Ukip can suck my b***s”.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron arrived to address those gathered in the Square.

Many then headed down towards Westminster, where they stood outside Parliament chanting slogans like “Eton mess” and “EU forever, Boris never”.

Before cancelling the protest, organisers wrote on Facebook: “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.”

 The protest was officially cancelled at the last minute due to safety concerns
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The protest was officially cancelled at the last minute due to safety concernsCredit: PA:Press Association
 Around 50,000 people had expressed an interest in attending the original event on Facebook
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Around 50,000 people had expressed an interest in attending the original event on FacebookCredit: LNP
 Only around 1,500 turned up to demonstrate in the end
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Only around 1,500 turned up to demonstrate in the endCredit: London News Pictures Ltd
 The event was organised to express 'anger at the whole referendum process'
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The event was organised to express 'anger at the whole referendum process'Credit: Getty Images
 Organisers said they were worried Remainers' voices would no longer be heard after the vote
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Organisers said they were worried Remainers' voices would no longer be heard after the voteCredit: Getty Images
 But the protests have drawn criticism from some who say they are anti-democratic
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 But the protests have drawn criticism from some who say they are anti-democraticCredit: Getty Images
 One Twitter user said: 'Only actual fascists would protest against a democratic vote
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One Twitter user said: 'Only actual fascists would protest against a democratic voteCredit: EPA

One organiser said the group were even planning future Brexit protests.

But the demonstration has drawn criticism from some quarters for being anti-democratic.

One Twitter user wrote: “33 million votes cast. 100s protest. There is NO buyer's remorse.”

Another said: “Only actual fascists would protest against a democratic vote.”

Even some Remainers chimed in to agree.

One tweeted: “I voted remain and we lost that's how it works, asking for another vote is behaving like a spoilt child.”


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