Pro-Europe campaigners to '˜stage a show of unity' against a '˜hard Brexit'

The event, a joint initiative from local pro-European campaign groups Open Britain and Brighton and Hove for Europe, follows similar initiatives across the country.

“This government’s pursuit of a hard Brexit will be bad for Brighton and terrible for the country” said Ian Lovering of Open Britain.

“We have a large, international population here whose rights are being threatened, and a local economy dependent on the free movement of people, goods and services that the EU’s single market makes possible. Anything that risks access to that market will damage our wonderful diverse city.”

Petra Kopp, of Brighton and Hove for Europe, said: “Democracy depends on the right to have a voice, so we will keep making the case for Europe because it is right for our country and good for our city. We strongly believe that we have the hearts and minds of this city with us.”

This comes as the Prime Minister Theresa May is set to trigger Article 50 tomorrow, starting Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The pro-Europe groups said: “Theresa May has threatened to walk away rather than sign a deal for Britain she does not like, but most experts agree the worst outcome of all would be to crash out of the EU without a deal.

“The government has so far made clear that they will prioritise restrictions on immigration over retaining access to the EU’s single market in the negotiations. Opponents of this plan have labelled it a strategy for a ‘hard Brexit’.”

The campaigners will meet at Hove Town Hall from 6pm for a rally, and will distribute leaflets which Open Britain said ‘highlights the threats the government’s pursuit of a hard Brexit will have on local jobs, the rights of EU nationals, and environmental standards’.

The group said the leaflet is supported by Hove’s Labour MP Peter Kyle, Brighton Pavilion’s Green MP Caroline Lucas, and Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East Catherine Bearder.

“I simply won’t back Brexit until we are clear that any deal will benefit our amazing city,” said Mr Kyle. “I need to be confident that our universities and businesses will thrive and that we won’t be throwing away hard-won protections and rights.”

Ms Lucas, said: “Brighton and Hove deserves better than this and so does Britain. That’s why I’ve been working cross party here in our city, and in Parliament, with others who want to protect our environment, safeguard the rights of EU nationals living in Britain and defend workers’ rights. And why I’ve been demanding you have a say over any final deal too.”

Ms Bearder, said: “The government has no mandate for their most reckless pursuit of a hard Brexit which will harm our ability to co-operate with our closest neighbours on areas of common economic and social advantage. The people must be given a genuine say on the future of this country and have a chance to accept or reject the deal negotiated with the European Union.”