ANTI-Brexit protesters braved the cold to welcome the campaign bus that had been 'banned' from stopping elsewhere in Oxford.
The Brexit: is it worth it? bus, which is currently on a national tour around the UK calling for people to consider the impact of leaving the EU, parked for about an hour in Bonn Square.
Speakers, including actor Sir Patrick Stewart and Layla Moran, Oxford West and Abingdon MP, roused campaigners yesterday afternoon.
Sir Patrick told protesters: "At the front of all our passports, the words read: European Union and then United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. If Brexit happens, those first two words will be erased and I will offer it to immigration officials around the world with less pride than I presently do."
He added: "The first time I was on the continent after the [EU] referendum it was on the colourful streets of Ghent and Bruges. I felt distinctly uncomfortable, bordering on shame, that my country was now seeking to unravel all that had been achieved [by the EU]."
During his talk, a passer-by heckled him for being 'anti-democratic' but Sir Patrick continued.
MP Layla Moran and Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder also spoke at the rally.
Layla Moran and Catherine Bearder
Last week Oxfordshire County Council refused to allow the bus to stop on Broad Street, where organisers Oxford for Europe had wanted it to park.
The council said it had to be 'politically neutral' but later admitted it was wrong on those grounds. It later said it wouldn't allow it to park on Broad Street because the event did not merit removing traffic restrictions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel