#HugABrit anti-Brexit campaign goes viral
A grassroots initiative asking members of the EU states to 'Hug a Brit' has been gathering momentum on social media.
Designed to convince Britons to stay in the Union ahead of the EU referendum, the move is part of a wider 'Please Don't Go' campaign founded by Katrin Lock, a German woman living in London.
The group, which describes itself as "a pro-European grassroots movement of EU citizens living in the United Kingdom," is asking followers to share a hug and tweet it using the hashtag #HugABrit in the hope that showering UK citizens with love will encourage them to vote 'Remain' in June.
Celebrities, such as Pulp frontman Jarvis cocker have been getting involved in the drive, while many of the other messages posted across Twitter and Instagram contain emotive messages targeting undecided voters.
A photo posted by #hugabrit (@pleasedontgouk) on
"Thank you Alice! You are a wonderful friend and I feel blessed to have met you," says @martinschell "It wouldn't have been possible without the #eu and the #freedomofmovement we are able to enjoy." #hugabrit #strongerin #europe #europeanunion #pleasedontgouk A photo posted by #hugabrit (@pleasedontgouk) on
Speaking on Daily Politics earlier in the week, campaign representative, Birgit Maass, said the outfit had only been encouraging "consensual hugs" and that "no Brits have been harmed" during the project.
Campaigning for the referendum on Britain’s EU membership stepped up a gear on Friday (15 April) with the start of the official campaigning by the bodies chosen to represent voters wishing to remain within the 28 member group and those who wishing to leave.
Britain Stronger in Europe and Vote Leave will each be able to spend £7m propagating their message over the next 10 weeks ahead of the 23 June vote.