Why protest? Because we can do no other

As protesters prepare to march in London to demand a Final Say on Brexit, Sean O'Grady examines how public dissent can turn political tides

Well, is it? Anti-Brexit campaigners, like Steve Bray, will be protesting today in central London to try and change the course of a story (AFP/Getty)

Why protest?

The fundamental reason is that very often the common people, to use an old-fashioned term, have no alternative but to do so. A lot of those attending this weekend’s March for the Future will feel that way. Many feel as though they were cheated on and lied to during the 2016 EU referendum campaign. Some will have voted Leave, but now feel that they want a Final Say on the terms of Brexit. They see parliament deadlocked and look on as ministers make a mess of the country. They are patriotic. They are anxious. They want to “do something”. They have a perfect right to protest, and they are going to seize it. They can do no other.

Protesting is also about changing things. It can never guarantee political or cultural reform; but without it, change is always likely to be much more difficult. Time and again, history shows that many of the freedoms and liberties we take for granted today were only won through the commitment and bravery of individuals prepared to make their voices heard – even if the odds seemed stacked against them.