Remainers in a small town have declared its independence because they say they do not want it to leave Europe.

Those living in Totnes, Devon, who voted remain in the EU referendum, made a unilateral declaration of independence yesterday because they ‘love being an EU citizen’.

On Tuesday, barrister Jonathan Cooper and his associates posted the declaration to the old guildhall.

Despite the declaration not necessarily being a hard-edged political move, Mr Cooper said it is still ‘a fun way’ for people to show their frustration with the Brexit negotiations. (Picture: Apex)

They even handed out passports to those who took an oath of allegiance to the new city-state.


Despite the declaration not necessarily being a hard-edged political move, Mr Cooper said it is still ‘a fun way’ for people to show their frustration with the Brexit negotiations.

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Speaking to Metro.co.uk, he said: ‘I was discussing Brexit chaos amongst friends and someone mentioned establishing Totnes as an Independent City State and remaining within the EU.



‘She also mentioned that iconic Ealing comedy, Passport to Pimlico, where Pimlico turned out to be part of the Duchy of Burgundy and not London.

‘We agreed that we needed to have a bit more fun with Brexit and the idea for the passports was born.

Mr Cooper said anyone who ‘swears the Totnes Oath pledging allegiance to the EU and its values’ can have a passport. (Picture: Apex)

On Tuesday, barrister Jonathan Cooper and his associates posted the declaration to the old guildhall. (Picture: Apex)

‘There is an ancient legend that a Trojan Prince, Brutus, escaped from Troy and established a New Troy at Totnes. That is the basis for our independence.’

Yesterday the group handed out dozens of passports, and said they plan to carry on the distribution tonight.

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He added: ‘We made 50 Passports yesterday. We only have a handful left.

‘We now have another 50 which we will be distributing tonight at the Totnes Cinema – a beautiful and iconic independent cinema.’

Mr Cooper said anyone who ‘swears the Totnes Oath pledging allegiance to the EU and its values’ can have a passport.

He said: ‘I fundamentally believe in the values of the EU. I love being British and an EU citizen.

‘I was heartbroken when Brexit was announced, my niece, who was 18 at the time, couldn’t stop weeping.

‘Being part of the great European project is a huge opportunity. I love it.’