A new local branch of the all-party European Movement, to cover the Bexhill and Battle and Hastings and Rye constituencies, was formally created at an inaugural meeting in Robertsbridge on Saturday, February 3. It already has a membership of over 40, and expects many more to join over the next few months.
“The fightback against Brexit is gathering momentum,” said newly-elected chairman Ben Patterson, formerly Conservative MEP for Kent West. “The likely consequences of quitting the European Union are now much clearer. More and more people are realising that it would be a tragic mistake.”
The Eastern Sussex branch is the 76th local European Movement branch to be created in recent months, and aims to mobilise local opinion in the two constituencies as Parliament’s “meaningful vote” draws nearer. It will be campaigning through the distribution of leaflets in the main urban centres, on-line through its website and by participation in social media. Young voters, in particular, will be encouraged to take part through the Young European Movement (YEM).
The meeting identified several important local issues. How many nationals from other EU countries, for example, worked at the Conquest Hospital? What would happen if they decided, or were forced, to leave?
Among the events the branch will be organising is a regular discussion group – open to both EM members and non-members − to examine the issues raised as Brexit negotiations progress. A first meeting of the group, attended by some 30 people, took place earlier in the month in Sedlescombe.
Contacts: gbpatt@gmail.com, stephenhardy1948@gmail.com and simonvds68@hotmail.com
Good luck to the fight against Brexit. by the European Movement. As an Anglaise living in France 20 plus years we know how much mis information was given to the English population.