Erica Ramos, Vice President at the National Union of Students, NUS, speaking, to up to an estimated million demonstrators, in Parliament Square and those watching on screens along the route of the march for a people’s Vote on the final Brexit deal between the UK and the EU. Parliament Square, London, UK, EU 19/10/2019
‘I’m Erica Ramos, VP of the NUS and a proud Supporter of For our Future’s Sake.
Each of us has our own reason for being here today.
Some wanted to defend the idea of the country they love. Others
want a chance for a better future. Many believe it is not just our right, but our duty to defend democracy.
For my part, I came to this country - half European, half Asian
- a Portugese national, believing that I was going to be part of a society that shared the same vision and values that I do.
For those outside the UK, this country has been a beacon, a
shining light of what is possible in a multicultural and diverse society.
A country with challenges, sure - the climate crisis, inequality
and mental health - but if we know one thing, is if we truly work together, nothing. is. impossible.
Because Boris Johnson’s Brexit - which is simply a gateway
to a devastating No Deal - is a million miles away from what was promised.
It will help no one.
It will hit students and young people the hardest, for the
longest.
And yards away from us, just over there, MPs know that. It
doesn’t matter what party or faction they belong to, quietly or loudly, they can see what Brexit has become.
That’s why the last three years have been so hard. That’s why
they have been so divided and divisive.
So I say to you, while the hour is late and the nights long,
it is always darkest just before the dawn.
And dawn is coming.
For so many, we here today are a beacon of hope.
Our job - daunting though it may be - is clear.
The task has always been immense. The odds stacked against
us. But we are so close.
So close to delivering a People’s Vote that this country desperately
needs and deserves.
Together, we will get a final say. ‘’
Date: 19/10/2019
Location: Parliament Square, Westminster, London, UK, EU
Photographer: Richard Keith Wolff
