The representation of BAME communities in the Brexit resistance

Abstract

On 23 June 2016 51.9% of UK voters opted to leave the European Union, but it did not deter remainers from setting up a myriad of pro-EU grassroots organisations to fight against such an unexpected outcome. However, it seems that they did not actively seek to recruit voters from ethnic minorities, and results revealed that a third of BAME voters endorsed Leave. The Brexit referendum campaign appeared to have been essentially led by white, middle-class activists, thus de facto excluding BAME individuals. Focusing on the Ethnic Minority for a People’s Vote campaign and on interviews with pro-EU local grassroots groups and activists, we shall ponder to what extent the remain campaign has mirrored the diversity of British society. Most importantly, this article will present an account of how anti-Brexit groups have been reflecting on the issue, some admitting that they “missed a trick”.