CAMPAIGNERS took to the sunny streets of Monmouth on Saturday 14th July to call for a People’s Vote on the final deal agreed between the UK Government and the European Union.

The Gwent for Europe campaign set up a stall on Monnow Street inviting shoppers to sign a petition for a People’s Vote, a vote on the final deal rather than a re-run of the exercise carried out in June 2016, and make their feelings known on the current Brexit negotiations.

Large numbers of people stated their dismay over the difficulties surrounding Brexit, which had been sold to them as a straightforward process. The campaign’s brexitometer – a simple device which asked people to place stickers on one of three favoured options – indicated that only two people thought that the Brexit process was going well, while the vast majority of those taking part gave the process a resounding thumbs down. Meanwhile, over 200 people put their names to a petition for a People’s Vote.

Gwent for Europe Co-ordinator Stephen Cocks said: “We were very heartened by the positive approach people in Monmouth took to our campaign. Brexit is not a done deal and we stress that a People’s Vote is necessary because it’s become apparent since the referendum that Brexit campaigners misled the British people. People we spoke to in Monmouth expressed deep concerns in relation to the NHS. President Trump’s visit to the UK has made it clear that any trade deal with the USA will mean opening up the NHS to private US medical companies. In addition, matters like the Irish border, the Single Market, the Customs Union and the likelihood that we will all be poorer whatever type of Brexit is adopted make it imperative that the people have a final say when the facts are known.”

The group will be on the street again in Abergavenny on Saturday 28th July.

For more information on Gwent for Europe go to www.facebook.com/groups/gwentforeurope