The Stop the Silence campaign, which saw billboards appear across the UK last week highlighting concerns of millions of British people about Brexit, has released the following statement on the passing of the Article 50 Bill in Parliament on Monday 13th March.

“In passing the Bill un-amended, Parliament has relinquished its rights to effectively audit, on behalf of the electorate, the UK’s exit deal with the EU. We now question how, in such uncertain times, it can re-assure the public that the final deal will be in the best interests of the country.

For every two voters who want a parliamentary safety net for Brexit, only one voter does not. Furthermore, Britain's reputation for fairness and decency has been undermined by parliament's failure to protect EU citizens’ rights in the UK.

We will continue to monitor public concerns and give voice to the millions who feel that this government has turned its back on them. This week, as parliament itself is cowed into silence, we are more determined than ever to help the people of this country speak up for what is right.”

Campaign spokesperson, Liz Holmes, also commented, “Today is a dark day for all the people of Britain who are concerned about the manner in which the government is approaching Britain's exit from the EU, however they may have voted in last year’s Referendum.”

On Sunday, the Stop the Silence group sent a parliamentary video-briefing on current public opinion to the in-box of every MP. The short film reviews the most recent data on national concerns around Brexit in general, and the Article 50 Bill “meaningful vote amendment” in particular.

Liz noted “The video-briefing was watched by just under half of MPs before Monday’s vote, but even clear evidence of strong public support for the bill amendments was not enough to tip the balance. We renew our call to Parliament not to forget the concerns of the electorate, nor to ignore changes in public opinion as negotiations between the UK and the EU27 progress.”

Notes to editors:
Stop The Silence press office: info@stopthesilence.co.uk - TEL +44 20 3239 9017

Stop the Silence is a crowd-funded national campaign which has reached over ten million people this month (March 2017). The provocative campaign exposes the concerns of people who feel silenced on the future of their country, however they may have voted on in the Referendum on UK membership of the EU June 23rd 2016. It has been extensively featured in national, international and regional press.

Stop The Silence Website
Stop The Silence Facebook
Stop The Silence Twitter
Watch the Stop the Silence video-briefing here:

Key points: 

• a clear majority would rather renegotiate or remain than accept WTO rules
• public support for parliamentary involvement is more than double its opposition
• public Brexit concern levels are increasing.

ENDS