When did you first attend the SODEM protest outside Parliament and why did you come? 

I can’t remember when, but it was fairly early on. I heard there were anti-Brexit protestors there and went down to support.

Roughly how old are you?

55

How frequently did you come and when was the last time you attended?

Once a week when I was in London (I tended to be away from London one week in three at that time because of the health of my parents).

How far from Westminster do you live and what was your travelling time?

I lived several miles away in East London.

What’s your favourite memory?

The classical musicians coming  down to perform.

Tell me your story

I became politically active in the 2016 referendum campaign. Afterwards I supported the campaigning work of a group in East London, and after that split, with the informal group the East London Network Against Brexit and the local branch the European Movement. I  tried to support activities of other groups in the London area, including SODEM and the People’s Vote campaign.    

Protesting opposite the House of Lords was initially quite pleasant, if tiring. It was a pleasure to meet many really nice fellow campaigners. For a long time, we would be the only protestors there. Around November 2018 some anti-European protesters appeared at sometimes – these were not pleasant although we often ignored each other. In December 2018 groups of fascists in yellow jackets started to turn up – they would harass us verbally, and there was a hidden threat of violence until the Speaker of the House of Commons instructed the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to provide police cover for peaceful protests.

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