IT'S one of the biggest political decisions of a generation.

As prime minister Theresa May triggered Article 50 to signal the UK's intention to leave the European Union, anti-Brexit protestors held a silent vigil outside Winchester Guildhall.

The peaceful candlelit protest was part of a nationwide campaign across other cities and towns in the UK.

Winchester resident Jo Thomas said: “16.1 million people who voted to remain are being ignored in the Brexit process. The decision to leave is being made by 37% of the population. This decision does not represent us. We are ‘the people’, too, and we need to be heard.”

Sylke Krämer, also a Winchester resident, said: “I strongly believe in countries working together rather than competing with each other, and putting up barriers. For me, March 29 was a sad day.”