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Brexit Battle Plays Out on London's River Thames

Britain's upcoming June 23 vote on whether to leave the European Union — dubbed a "Brexit" — has seen both sides of the debate ramp up their rhetoric and campaigning.
Image: Remain campaigners in dinghies try to disrupt a demonstration by a flotilla of fishing vessels campaigning to leave the European Union on the river Thames in London
Remain campaigners in dinghies try to disrupt a demonstration by a flotilla of fishing vessels campaigning to leave the European Union on Wednesday.STEFAN WERMUTH / Reuters
By Cassandra Vinograd

The battle for Britain's future played out Wednesday on London's River Thames.

The country's looming June 23 vote on whether to leave the European Union — dubbed a "Brexit" — has seen both sides of the debate ramp up their rhetoric and campaigning.

On Wednesday, both those backing a Brexit and those pushing for the status quo took to the famed Thames.

A flotilla of fishing boats backing a Brexit sailed under London's Tower Bridge. A counter-demonstration — with the help of singer and activist Bob Geldof — used dinghies and banners to spread the "In" message.

Image: Musician and campaigner Bob Geldof
Musician and campaigner Bob Geldof joined a counter-demonstration as a flotilla of fishing vessels campaigning to leave the European Union sailed up the River Thames in London on Wednesday.STEFAN WERMUTH / Reuters
Image: Brexit flotilla sails down Thames
A boat from the "Fishing for Leave" campaign group and smaller boats from the "In" campaign join a flotilla along the River Thames on Wednesday.) / Getty Images
Image: Part of a flotilla of fishing vessels campaigning to leave the European Union sails past Parliament on the river Thames in London
Part of the flotilla campaigning to leave the European Union sails past Parliament on Wednesday.STEFAN WERMUTH / Reuters
Image: Brexit battle
Supporters of the EU Remain camp attach banners to Tower Bridge on Wednesday as they await the flotilla backing a Brexit.BEN STANSALL / AFP - Getty Images
Cassandra Vinograd