#Londependence: Tens of thousands call for capital to be made an independent state, join EU
More than 75,000 people have signed a petition to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan calling on him to declare the capital city an independent state and apply for EU membership.
The petition posted on change.org states “London is an international city, and we want to remain at the heart of Europe."
“Mayor Sadiq, wouldn't you prefer to be President Sadiq? Make it happen!” it concludes.
The petition launched by James O’Malley in the wake of the shock Brexit vote has closed in on its target of 75,000.
Just woke up from my first sleep in about 34 hours and #londependence has hit 50,000 signatures: https://t.co/bX6WFTUH56 - ridiculous!
— James O'Malley (@Psythor) June 24, 2016
Almost 60 percent of Londoners voted to remain in the EU in stark contrast with results from the rest of England.
The hashtag #Londependence is trending on Twitter and has even been accompanied by some Londependence memes.
Yeah.
— Steve Topple (@MrTopple) June 24, 2016
Somehow I *don't* think #londependence is going to happen... pic.twitter.com/lyQOANKr1H
Sorry for the blur,my camera doesn't focus on the fake. #londependencepic.twitter.com/h84PTqQ6DB
— José Raymond. (@LeProfesseur10) June 24, 2016
Citizen Smith for President #londependence#Londexitpic.twitter.com/ocVUCQk31p
— Richard Robinson (@LondonRobinson) June 24, 2016
#londependence Remain voters who wanted us to be united with EU but now want to rip up UK becuase they didn't get their way! Pathetic
— Jon Bass (@TheRealJonbass) June 24, 2016
I'm sorry but what is this #londependence thing, how can the capital city be independent from the rest of it's country
— Willow (@Nxghtair) June 24, 2016
#londependence what are we actually talking about here? building a wall around the m25?
— Chris Furness (@cjfurness) June 24, 2016
#londependence are a laughing stock pic.twitter.com/zfvROlrisk
— Booney (@Sheffield_2016) June 24, 2016
if #londependence happens, I don't even want to know abut rent prices.... pic.twitter.com/Gr1YdlQFAq
— atomicbutterfly (@atomicbutterfly) June 24, 2016
Others are taking the campaign more seriously and want London to be considered a separate entity to the rest of the country, with many believing it is already in a league of its own.
I would give up my British nationality to join an new 'London state' and start EU ascension should the opportunity arise #londependence
— Chris Kelly (@onemorechris) June 24, 2016
Time for #londependence now it's clear we are no longer unified with the rest of England. We have to protect our way of life and interests!
— Steve System E (@SteveMorleyDJ) June 24, 2016
Tbh, I identify more as a Londoner than as an English person, given the choice I'd ditch England for an #IndependentLondon#Londependence
— Dr Nick (@NichSmith) June 24, 2016
Because maybe Londoners are tired of subsidising lazy, xenophobic and small-minded little-Englanders #londependencehttps://t.co/PSWnlbv8Vy
— Pierluigi Frison (@PierluigiFrison) June 24, 2016
A second petition calling for London to remain part of the EU has been signed by more 11,000 people.
The divisive campaign follows on from an announcement earlier from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that a second referendum for Scottish independence would be “highly likely” and a call from Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness for a border poll on a united Ireland.
Suggestions are being teased online for a Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to band together in Celtic unification and form ‘The Union of Craic’.
The idea is gaining popularity under the hashtag #minusthecraic, putting a more positive spin on the Brexit vote.
Definitely a possible way forward after the #BrexitVote#Brexit#minuscraicpic.twitter.com/OB5j4VMhz4
— Matthew Barrett (@Mbarr_) June 24, 2016
Totally up for this 😂😂😂 #UnionOfCraic#MinusCraic#WhiskyNotWhiskeypic.twitter.com/lsp5AtLBj1
— Sithu Aye (@Sithu_Aye) June 24, 2016
'The Union of Craic' I'll have that one please....!!
— Cllr Kelly Parry (@KellyMParry) June 24, 2016
😂😂😂#Brexit#MinusCraic#EURefResultspic.twitter.com/eWBr9AXxuP
Scotland, ROI and NI in a Celtic Union 👌
— #ScottehForPM (@FallOfGondolin) June 24, 2016
Yes mate #MinusCraic
Meanwhile over 100,000 people have signed a petition for the UK to hold a second Brexit referendum.
READ MORE: Over 100,000 sign petition calling for UK to hold 2nd referendum about leaving EU