Tonight, Scots will show us that they are still fighting to rejoin our European family

Three years ago today, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union.

As a result, the past three years have been marked by political instability, economic decline and a steady erosion of democratic values.

The UK flag is removed from EU headquarters in Brussels three years ago

Opinion polls show that a clear majority of Brits now regard Brexit as a mistake. Among them many that voted to Leave the EU but now regret believing the lies told by Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and the Brexit campaign. Nigel Farage himself recently tweeted that “there is now an exodus of young, talented people to Italy and Portugal”, although he failed to point out that this “brain drain” is very much a consequence of Brexit.

If even fervent Brexiteers are unhappy, imagine the feelings of the 48 percent of UK citizens who voted to Remain in the EU – including young people now deprived of Erasmus, healthcare workers whose European colleagues left in droves, and business owners who struggle to keep afloat without access to the EU single market.

Out of four UK nations, England and Wales voted narrowly for Brexit, while Scotland and Northern Ireland rejected it emphatically. Access to the single market has saved Northern Ireland from the worst economic consequences of Brexit, however Brexit has wreaked havoc in other ways – sewing division and reopening old wounds, whilst democratic institutions are in paralysis.

Scots, meanwhile, feel betrayed as the UK government not only dragged Scotland out of the EU against its will but also continues to deny the Scottish people a new independence referendum, despite a clear democratic mandate from the electorate. Scots had their chance in 2014, UK leaders say, not acknowledging that back then they lied to Scottish voters, claiming that only a future within the UK would guarantee their EU membership.

Given the UK government’s lack of respect for democracy, it would be understandable if the majority that wishes to rejoin the EU had given up all hope to reverse the injustice of Brexit.

However, Scots are still fighting.

Tonight, candle light vigils are held across Scotland, echoing the gatherings that took place on Brexit Day three years ago. Then, the atmosphere was funereal and mainly a signal to Europeans to please not forget Scotland. Tonight, Scots gather to show Europe that their wish to rejoin our European family remains as strong as ever. And by gathering all over the country (in wind and rain) Scots are also sending a clear signal to Westminster, showing the UK government that as much as they may want to ignore Scots, Scots won’t give up until their democratic choices are respected.

Europe for Scotland representatives will speak at several of the gatherings in Scotland tonight to convey our European solidarity. If you care about the future of Scotland, or about democracy, you can do something, too.

Last year, for the second anniversary of Brexit Day, we created a video in collaboration with the famous Scottish crime writer Val McDermid that explains Scotland’s desire for a European future to a European audience.

Please share the video today, on Facebook or on Instagram. It’s a small act, but a powerful one, that would mean a lot to our Scottish friends.

In European solidarity

Europe for Scotland’s team