We are more than the binary terms Brexit needlessly divided us into

Referendums, by their nature, tend to simplify complex realities and divide societies into binary terms. Brexit underscored this in several ways, with the generation gap standing out prominently.

It is young Britons who have been robbed of Europe, not just in political and economic terms, but also in a deep sense of belonging and opportunity. While the Brexit debates focused on issues such as sovereignty and economics, for us, it was about something much more personal, and we felt it across Europe. Europe was not just a geographical place; it was a home, an essential part of our identity.

In some ways, Brexit has deprived us of a global and connected future, but it has not left us voiceless to shout more strongly than ever that yes, Britons are Europeans.

Yet in the face of this adversity, we have found the strength to speak out and work tirelessly across Europe. On the same day that the UK formalised the legal request to leave the EU, we founded Volt, a pan-European political party with a clear message: the whole of Europe is viscerally connected. Today we have a network of more than 20,000 people in 30 countries, including the UK, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Our movement has become a beacon of hope and change. We’ve come together with young people of all nationalities to remind the world that unity in diversity is our strength.

Politics is not anymore, a passive spectacle. With the next general election on the horizon, our march takes on a profound political meaning: it is more than a manifestation of wishes, it is a call to action, a reminder that young Europeans, united, are ready to take the UK back. Not as an act of revenge, but as a fraternal embrace and a renewal of our hope for a future where differences are celebrated, and collaboration is the norm. Brexit woke us up, but now we are ready for a new European dawn.

I am speaking at the National Rejoin March in London on September 23 and I’ll delve into the importance of not just maintaining, but also strengthening the connections between the EU and the UK. Why wait for the UK to rejoin to bolster these ties? Our social fabric goes beyond current political choices; it’s like the stitching that holds together our collaborations, mutual understanding, and shared purpose. We’re more determined than ever to continue working together.

The relentless power of an idea transcends every barrier and obstacle in its path.

Rachele Arciulo is Co-President of Volt Spain. For all the info, go to www.MarchForRejoin.co.uk