Newcastle Rally for Europe (find us on Facebook)

Much like in March for Europe's case, the organisers are a grassroots group comprising professionals, students and people from different walks of life with one goal in common: a tolerant, open and internationalist idea of Britain and Europe, and an unwavering commitment to keeping Britain at the heart of Europe following the criminally irresponsible Vote Leave campaign, the calamitous result of the referendum and the worrying lack of rational direction that the government is showing. Newcastle is symbolic for our movement because it was the only major city in North East England that voted Remain in the referendum, and because it is an example of what European investment can do for the least advantaged parts of the UK: the Angel of the North, the Theatre Royal, the spectacular redevelopment of Newcastle's old Quayside and the thriving research culture of our universities would have been but a pipe dream had it not been for the European Union.

At this Rally, there will be speeches by Liberal Democrat front bencher Lord John Shipley, Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwura (Labour) and Green Party activist Lee Ferris. Live music and entertainment will include the wonderful Jazz Riot and will deliver a party atmosphere.

"Please come and help reclaim the streets of North East England for tolerance, respect, and the noble ideals of the pro-European movement, emphasising the international, positive, forward looking and optimistic nature of our region and our communities. We deplore all the outbreaks of xenophobia and racism that we have witnessed in recent weeks and we stand together with the vulnerable communities in our society that are being targeted by xenophobic violence, " said Cllr Anita Lower, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Newcastle City Council

"The North East, a net recipient of European funds, could lose up to £430M in EU funding after Brexit. Being part of Europe also helps us with trade and investment from across the globe. Up to 160,000 jobs in the North East are closely linked to our membership and rely on EU trade. We value the EU as a positive driver for peace, coexistence and progress."