British cultural figures want a say on Brexit

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Following the rejection by a staggering margin of the British Prime Minister’s withdrawal plan on Tuesday, and the narrow survival of the subsequent vote of no confidence, significant cultural figures have spoken out about Brexit.

 

In a letter published in The Times on January 17, 161 signatories urged the leadership of the two main political parties to support a People’s Vote on Britain’s future relationship with the European Union.

 

Among the signatories were big art-world names, such as Gary Waterson, managing director of Gagosian Gallery; Natasha Plowright, director of communications at the Photographer’s Gallery; Matthew Slotover, co-director of Frieze Art Fair and founder of Frieze magazine; and David Chipperfield, architect.

 

Their letter implored that “politicians must not waste any further time on fantasies”, stating that a second referendum on Brexit was the only way to stop the UK leaving the EU without a deal. Whether the letter has taken effect will become apparent in the Prime Minister’s new Brexit plan (due for Monday 21st), and the full debate and key vote on January 29.

 

Read the letter in full here.

 

 

Katy Cross