Author: Patrick Lohlein

Parliament is sovereign – but will it get a truly meaningful say?

In the British system of representative democracy, sovereignty lies with parliament, which means that MPs should have the final say on important matters of politics. 

This is why all friends of British democracy should welcome yesterday’s vote to amend clause 9 of the European Union Withdrawal Bill.  The passing of amendment 7 was a victory for parliamentary democracy, and marks an important first step by parliament to reassert its sovereignty and retake control of the important choices that this country has to make in the coming year.

But the passed amendment does not go far enough. While it will give MPs the choice of accepting or rejecting whatever the deal that the government may be able to secure, it does not yet offer MPs a truly meaningful say.

MPs are charged with acting in the interest of the country and their constituents, and for that reason they should be allowed to evaluate all the possible options for our future relationship with the EU.

To have a truly meaningful vote, MPs must also be given the choice of  voting to remain in the European Union. Help them take back control by signing this petition:

 

Remainers to Campaigners – Workshop Report

On Saturday 21st Oct, SSTIE, sponsored by WKEM, ran an all day Remainers to Campaigners workshop at Sevenoaks Community Center  which attracted 96 delegates from across the South East.

The event, which was described as “highly inspiring” by many of the participants, had a highly ambitious agenda, covering all aspects of remain campaigning from practical issues such as setting up a local groups and establishing communication channels, to discussions over the importance of remaining in the EU, and the political and psychological barriers that need to be overcome. Continue reading “Remainers to Campaigners – Workshop Report”

Stop Brexit in Manchester – Oct 1st

The Conservative Party Conference in Manchester marks the end of the conference season, and as it is the conference of the party in government, it also demands the most attention.

Brexit is essentially a revolutionary ideology, and as such, it really is ideologically incompatible with conservatism, which abhors change.

If you believe that it’s time to send the Brexiteers back to the back-benches where they belong, and let some cooler heads take over, then join us on the first of October in Manchester as we march on the Conservative Party Conference to demand that Brexit is stopped! Continue reading “Stop Brexit in Manchester – Oct 1st”

Stop Brexit in Brighton – Sept 24th

On Sunday 24 September, the Labour Party Conference arrives in Brighton. Brighton and Hove for EU and many other Remain groups will be ready with an important message for the Labour leadership, MPs and delegates.

Sevenoaks and Swanley Together In Europe will be supporting this event. Due to the close distance to Brighton, it makes more sense for us to travel indenpendently, sharing cars rather than a coach. However, we do plan to march as a group, so please join us! Continue reading “Stop Brexit in Brighton – Sept 24th”

Stop Brexit in Bournemouth – Sept 17th

Over the coming weeks, the #StopBrexit movement will be at all the major UK-wide party conferences, talking to party members and MPs, the local public and the media. At each stop there are different debates to be had and different dynamics to be built. No one UK party can stop Brexit. There needs to be new thinking and brave action inside each major party, as well as new dialogue across parties driven on by a turning tide of public awareness.

The Liberal Party Conference

The Liberal Democrat Conference is the first in the autumn party conference season – and for the Remain movement, it is a key event. Continue reading “Stop Brexit in Bournemouth – Sept 17th”

South East Groups Workshop (12 Aug 2017)

Sevenoaks and Swanley Together in Europe are pleased to announce this workshop for local groups in the South East.

The event will use interactive peer-to-peer learning techniques to allow participants to share experiences, learn from each other and explore ideas for cooperation.

DATE: 12.08.2017
TIME: 9.30-13.00 followed by networking until c.15.00
VENUE: 71 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN3 1AX
COST: Free

Objectives:

-identify common areas of interest;
-consider the potential for Remain groups to cooperate;
-identify areas where cooperation would be helpful;
-exchange experiences and discuss ideas to overcome commonpbstacles;
-discuss ways of achieving our similar aims in opposing Brexit;
-facilitate networking and to open communication channels between Remain groups in the Southeast;
– establish cooperation working groups;and
-discuss specific projects being organised by participating Remain groups.

Programme