TENS of thousands of protesters across the UK took to the streets yesterday to oppose Boris Johnson’s bid to push through a no deal Brexit by suspending Parliament.
Demonstrators gathered in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen to hit out at the move to prorogue Parliament and limit the time available to stop the UK crashing out of the European Union without a deal.
At a rally in Glasgow’s George Square, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the Prime Minister: "No way, it's our Parliament.”
Johnson’s move to prorogue Parliament, a request granted by the Queen last week, caused uproar as it has been interpreted as an attempt to push through Brexit at all costs by October 31.
The Prime Minister has made leaving on that date the key test of his leadership and the suspension of Parliament means opposition MPs only have a few days to plan a counter strategy.
They fear that, if Johnson does not negotiate a last-minute deal with the EU, the UK will leave the bloc without any formal agreement, an outcome the Government has confirmed with lead to an economic shock.
Options for the Opposition next week include trying to block a no-deal Brexit by passing a new law, or toppling Johnson by way of a motion of no confidence.
Corbyn spoke at People's Assembly Defend Democracy rally yesterday, which was one of many organised throughout Britain to protest against the Tory Government.
He said: "Demonstrations are taking place everywhere because people are angered and outraged about what is happening.
"Angered that the Government and a Prime Minister elected by 93,000 members of the Tory party is trying to hijack the needs, aims and aspirations of 65 million people."
He added: "Well think on, Boris, it's not on and we're not having it. Fundamentally this is an issue of democracy.
"However you voted in 2016 and however you voted in 2017, however you vote in any future election of any sort – the important thing is you should have your voice and your say and your rights.
"One thing I'm absolutely clear on is that nobody voted to lose their rights or give up on democracy."
Similarly, hundreds of protesters brought London's Whitehall to a standstill, with demonstrators stretching across much of the usually busy road as they gathered outside the gates of Number 10.
Chanting of "Boris Johnson shame on you", punctuated by the clanging of a bell, blowing of whistles and bang of a drum, echoed around the surrounding Government buildings, as many carried placards and European Union flags.
As the chanting outside Downing Street continued, many protesters got creative with their descriptions of the Prime Minister.
Their shouting evolved to include: "Trump's puppet, shame on you", "Liar Johnson shame on you", and "Fascist Johnson shame on you."
More than 1,000 people also gathered in the centre of York to listen to speakers outside the famous Bettys tea rooms and The Ivy restaurant.
Many of those in St Helen's Square were carrying banners as well as EU and Yorkshire flags and hats.
Speaker Rachael Maskell – the Labour MP for York Central – was heckled by a lone Leave supporter from the centre of the crowd, who then argued with protesters around him.
But he left without further problems as a small number of police officers looked on. In Belfast, a small crowd was gathered in front of City Hall by 11am.
The diverse gathering included foreign nationals concerned about their status post-Brexit, and local people angered by the move to prorogue Parliament.
A crowd of more than 1,000 gathered at Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre.
Among the speakers were broadcaster Paul Mason, who encouraged the crowd to chant "Stop the Coup".
A short distance away, a small group of pro-Brexit supporters stood outside the National Football Museum, with a line of about 20 police officers watching on.
Behind the officers, people jeered and shouted "Bollocks to Brexit", as one man sang "One Boris Johnson, there's only one Boris Johnson" into a loudhailer.
A couple of thousand protesters also marched through Bristol city centre, bringing traffic to a standstill.
People gathered at College Green and looped around the city, through the middle of the Broadmead shopping area and back to meet at Bristol Cenotaph.
They shouted "What do we want? Democracy! When do we want it? Now!", "Boris Johnson, shame on you" and "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Boris Johnson's got to go".
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