Pro-EU campaigners Leeds for Europe tell residents to call themselves European in 2021 census

Leeds for Europe is asking its supporters to describe themselves as European, rather than British, when they complete the census online on Sunday March 21.

Households have been told to complete the census on that date 'or as soon as possible after' in letters marked 'Census 2021', which are now being delivered to addresses across Leeds.

One of the questions in the census is: 'how would you describe your national identity?'.

Leeds for Europe is encouraging residents to choose 'other', which gives you the option to fill in 'European'.

The campaign group has staged a number of protests in Leeds since the EU Referendum in 2016 and is planning further demonstrations this summer when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Richard Wilson, chairman of Leeds for Europe, said: “As well as highlighting how important our European identity is to many of us, this is at least a token, legal gesture of defiance.

“We need to take every opportunity to tell this Vote Leave Government that we’ve noticed all the promises they have broken whilst delivering a Brexit deal which has proven to be disastrous for Britain.

"Fishermen, farmers, manufacturers, and millions of ordinary people are now finding out the hard way what a pointless and costly mistake Brexit has become.

“Despite the disaster now unfolding around us, it has not been possible for groups such as ours to mount major anti-Brexit demonstrations for more than a year now.

"But Leeds for Europe is among a large number of similar groups across the UK who are planning protests to take place this summer - as soon as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“We hope to be joined by “Mr Stop Brexit” aka Steve Bray – a regular sight outside the House of Commons over the last five years and famous for loudly campaigning in front of the television cameras in his trademark blue and yellow “Stop Brexit” top hat and outfit.”

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