RIO Calls For New Alliances with Post-Brexit Event
Pioneering Plymouth-based social enterprise RIO – the Real Ideas Organisation – is hosting a special event later this month [Wednesday 20 July] at Devonport Guildhall to debate the future for Plymouth and the wider south west in Brexit Britain.
‘Nexit – what now for Plymouth and the south west?’ will feature guest speakers Molly Scott-Cato MEP and John Harris, political and culture writer for The Guardian, along with interactive sessions to enable everyone in attendance to have their say. The event will also give a platform to young people to make sure their voices are heard in designing solutions for the future.
Lindsey Hall, Chief Executive of RIO said: “Politics is in crisis and the repercussions from the result of the referendum are being felt socially, politically and economically. For many people, it feels like the country is being torn apart. If we want a politics and economy that puts all of us first, it’s time to come together and start building alliances. We need a democracy that listens and responds and that puts the people in control. We will not get there by shutting people out and perpetuating divisions, but by building bridges, alliances and common cause.
“This event will explore ways to create more progressive partnerships at a local and regional level and how we as people, neighbours, business and organisations can be proactive, focus on pressing issues and flip the debate to one that builds a more equal, sustainable and democratic society.”
Helping explore the issues will be South West Green MEP Molly Scott-Cato; Guardian Political and Culture Journalist John Harris.
Molly Scott-Cato MEP said: “I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity to discuss the unique circumstances we find ourselves in after the referendum.
“I campaigned for the UK to remain in the EU, so naturally I am disappointed by the result. But what the referendum did offer was genuine representation, something novel to lots of people in the UK.
“The outcome has shocked many, as they were unaware of the power of their vote. Having tasted such power, we owe it to the people of the UK to create systems of democratic accountability. This will require a progressive alliance on electoral reform so that from now on all votes count”
Guardian Journalist John Harris said: “Across the country, people are starting to come together to talk about the referendum result, what it says about the state of the UK, and how people on both sides of the Leave/Remain divide can come together and talk about a way forward.
“Plymouth is a city that reflects a lot of the issues that the referendum highlighted, but also people and organisations who can work on plotting a post-Brexit course, for the city and the South West. “I’ve been regularly coming to the city to report on how it’s doing for a couple of years now, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what people have to say on the 20th.”
‘Nexit – what now for Plymouth and the south west?’ takes place at 6pm on Wednesday 20 July at Devonport Guildhall. Entrance is free but people wishing to attend must register in advance via Eventbrite. A collection will be made on the night with all proceeds being donated to local food banks.
If you are interested in attending the event follow the link for ticket booking:
