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

Shortly after it started in September 2017. As well as wanting to make my voice heard, being in such a location I felt it was good for tourists walking by to see that we’re not all a bunch of isolationist/anti/EU. 

Roughly how old are you?

45

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

Last attended in 2019.   Attended on average 1-3 times a month. I live outside London and work six days a week, so wasn’t possible to attend more regularly. 

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

About 70 miles as the crow flies. Journey time between 2 and 4 hours – usually closer to 2. 

What’s your favourite memory?

There’s quite a few. The ‘Cake not Hate’ sessions. Writing ‘Stop Brexit’ with sparklers. Having one of the Lords come out to tell us to keep shouting ‘Stop Brexit’ because they could hear us very clearly! 

Tell me your story

I’ve always been fascinated by other languages and cultures and lived aboard for a short time.  I’ve always felt strongly European.     

I was very sad when remain lost the referendum, but at first, willing to accept the result. Maybe it would turn out fine?  However, when the links between Brexit and Trump became apparent, and I realised that Brexit wasn’t just about leaving the EU, but an attempted coup by far-right disaster capitalists  – I felt I needed to speak out.    Even though we ‘lost’, I don’t for a minute regret campaigning against Brexit – an act born out of ignorance, nationalism, xenophobia and racism –  and will continue to speak out against all of those things.     

I’m planning to leave the UK if I can, but hope that someday, attitudes will change, and it will rejoin the EU. 

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