Pro-European grassroots groups resisting Brexit : (re)building belonging and identity in the UK ?

Abstract

When one thinks of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Europe one imagines an indifferent people as well as unyielding politicians. However, behind this image of a certain incompatibility Brexit has disrupted the lives of millions of people on both sides of the Channel, leaving pro-Europeans with no other choice than to come forward and act. This article will investigate how the 2016 referendum on the European Union has led to the awakening of anti-Brexit activists who campaigned to keep their country in the European Union. Resisting Brexit and rebelling against the political status quo has been like a catharsis for the grassroots who are determined to rediscover what it feels like to be European, leaving the question of the movement’s impact and durability open.