Why the mainstream media is finally paying attention to the Rejoin march

In previous years, the National Rejoin March in London received little attention from mainstream media outlets. Coverage, when it appeared at all, came from predictable sources. GB News, for example, routinely reported on the demonstrations with headlines such as “Rejoin EU rally mocked after just hundreds march on London to demand Brexit reversal,” mocking attendance figures that organisers and participants disputed.

This year, however, something changed.

On June 20, pro-European campaigners gathered in London for the National Rejoin March 2026, marking a decade since the EU referendum. The event attracted a high-profile lineup of speakers, including former Labour leader and former European Commission vice-president Neil Kinnock, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, Green politician Terry Reintke, lawyer and commentator Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, European Movement UK chair Mike Galsworthy, campaigner Femi Oluwole and anti-Brexit activist Steve Bray.

But perhaps more notable than the speakers themselves was the level of media attention the march received.

The Evening Standard led with: “Brexit branded ‘unprecedented continuing disaster’ as marchers call to rejoin EU.”

The Independent reported: “Brexit branded ‘unprecedented continuing disaster’ by former Labour leader.”

The Press Association distributed a report titled: “Brexit branded ‘a travesty’ as marchers call to rejoin EU.”

ITV News covered the event under the headline: “Hundreds march through capital calling to rejoin EU ahead of 10th Brexit anniversary.”

Even Reuters Connect published a photo package from the march, headlined: “People gather for National Rejoin March to mark 10 years since Brexit referendum, in London.”

For an event that has often struggled to break into the national news agenda, this scale of coverage is notable.

So why is the mainstream media suddenly taking notice?

The most obvious answer is that the political and public conversation around Brexit is changing.

This week, the Financial Times published an opinion piece entitled “We Need to Talk About Brexit,” highlighting evidence of the economic costs associated with leaving the EU. The article noted estimates suggesting the UK’s GDP could be between 6 and 8 percent smaller than it would have been had Britain remained a member of the EU.

At the same time, Reuters reported on polling conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) showing that up to two-thirds of British voters across traditional party divides, now believe Brexit has had a negative impact on the country.

As ECFR director Mark Leonard observed: “A decade on, Brits realise ​their hopes for a better life outside the EU are going ​unfulfilled and that Brexit is undermining the UK’s ability to manage the issues voters care about most.”

Against that backdrop, media organisations may be finding it increasingly difficult to ignore a movement calling for Britain to reconsider its relationship with Europe.

Whether GB News’ claims that only “hundreds” attended are accurate remains a matter of debate. Many participants insist the crowd was substantially larger. Yet attendance figures may not be the most significant story.

What stands out is the shift in media interest itself.

As one attendee put it: “I was there and it was certainly more than 1,500. What’s more significant is the much greater number of press present than at previous National Rejoin Marches.”

The National Rejoin March is not simply drawing crowds, it’s attracting attention from news organisations that, until recently, largely ignored it. Whatever happens next in the debate over Britain’s relationship with Europe, that change alone is worth noting.