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I'm sure I speak for millions when I say that my passion for the UK being in the EU was not a 4 year whim, but has been an integral part of my identity for all of my adult life.
I treasured the rights & freedoms I had & took full advantage of them - doing so enriched my life.
1/8
I treasured the rights & freedoms I had & took full advantage of them - doing so enriched my life.
1/8
I was proud to be British and know that my country benefited from and contributed to an amazing, diverse partnership. I valued the security it gave me and the sense of peace. I understood that meant compromise on occasion, but that's what being a partner means.
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2/8
I took pride in knowing that we supported our partners as a net contributor, but also saw first hand, in my deprived area, the positive impact of European funding. I believed the UK was forward-looking, inclusive and took seriously its responsibilities to a community.
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3/8
And I genuinely loved that flag, so symbolic of hope & unity.
Of course, I was anxious every time the Eurosceptics made a move & UKIP gained ground in the polls, but I had faith in my fellow citizens to see the disquiet for what it was - a minority making unreasonable noise.
4/8
Of course, I was anxious every time the Eurosceptics made a move & UKIP gained ground in the polls, but I had faith in my fellow citizens to see the disquiet for what it was - a minority making unreasonable noise.
4/8
But that faith was destroyed in 2016. I felt bereft that so many could believe the lies - such very obvious lies. I mourned my own loss and that of my son and his generation. And I was confronted by my own lack of awareness of the evident xenophobia around me.
5/8
5/8
I fought, I campaigned, I exerted all the influence I had for over 4 years & I did so alongside millions of passionate, extraordinary challengers of hate and isolationism.
So, when you've spent a lifetime of allegiance to an ideal and opportunity, you don't let it go easily.
6/8
So, when you've spent a lifetime of allegiance to an ideal and opportunity, you don't let it go easily.
6/8
The result of the referendum has been 'honoured', albeit dishonourably. However, that doesn't mean we 'move on' by giving up our beliefs and ideals. We just channel our energy into refocusing our campaign and defending constantly our convictions.
7/8
7/8
Yes, we remain European & live in Europe, but that is not enough. We will continue to fight for opportunities for partnership with our neighbours. We will call out the lies. We will continue as activists for a better future for our kids & that is back in the heart of the EU.
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8/8
