A protest designed to show London’s solidarity with the EU has faced criticism after organisers changed it to appease Brexit voters.
More than 50,000 people have pledged to attend the Trafalgar Square rally on Tuesday which was set up by organiser Jessica Rodgers, 23, under the name London Stays.
However, some of those who clicked to attend have now hit out after the event was renamed Stand Together to be inclusive of voters who wanted to leave the European Union.
Miss Rodgers, a digital producer from Haggerston, posted in an update: “The name change was important to remove the connotation that we thought that the best step forward was to fight for London to become its own state, and attempt to rejoin the European Union.
“The event description has always been clear about the stance held here, however an apology must be given to those who felt the original name of the event was misleading.
“Rather than this being a 'throwing the toys out of the pram’ moment because Remain didn’t win, I wanted to understand how it might be possible to consider how to include all voters’ opinions in the next steps of the debate - whilst still showing solidarity with the rest of Europe.”
The decision led to angry posts on Facebook with some infuriated by the change of name.
One attendee wrote: “Really don't understand what's the purpose of this very last minute change. This is not what I signed up for. We need someone with stronger convictions, I'm afraid.”
Another posted: “Changing the name and sentiment of the event after 50 thousand have signed up is not the right move. If you've changed your opinion, better to start a new event rather than seeking to redefine other people's views.”
While others suggested the last-minute alteration swung too heavily in favour of Leave campaigners.
One person wrote: “Unfortunately as a EU citizen I no longer feel safe attending this.”
