Change UK launched its European election campaign in Bristol on Tuesday, announcing its candidates.
Change UK, formerly known as The Independent Group, are running on a pro-remain platform.
They also advocate for a second referendum on the issue, a proposal that has been rejected by both the Prime Minister and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The party was formed from an alliance of former Labour and Conservative MPs, who had become disillusioned with how their party’s were handling Brexit.
The party said that it received more than 3,700 MEP applications.
We have had thousands of applications to be European elections from former Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem, Green and SNP members. Change UK are the Remain Alliance in the European elections. @Anna_Soubry #ChangePolitics
Support us: https://t.co/INZuNa8Mop pic.twitter.com/EDWu6EdVPM
— The Independent Group (@TheIndGroup) April 23, 2019
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It announced it was putting forward 70 candidates for the upcoming European parliament elections, including Rachel Johnson, the sister of former foreign secretary Boris Johnson.
Former Conservative and the group’s interim leader, Heidi Allen, said at the launch event in Bristol:
“These elections are a chance to send the clearest possible message – we demand a People’s Vote and the right to campaign to remain in the European Union. We are not afraid to say it as clearly as that.
“This is no rebel alliance. This is the home of the Remain alliance.”
Change UK are launching their campaign in anticipation of the EU elections, which are set to take place on the 23rd of May.
Nevertheless, should the government and parliament prove able to agree on a deal beforehand, the UK could launch the Article 50 process and leave as planned.
