EU referendum: Europeans in London launch 'Hug a Brit' campaign to 'love-bomb' UK into voting Remain

'It’s a little bit hippy, but a little bit of hippiness is needed. We wanted to do something positive instead of just talking about rules and regulations'

German born Katrin Lock hugs British-Nigerian Yinka Shonibare (Katrin Lock/Instagram)

A campaign has been launched to “love-bomb” wavering voters in the upcoming EU referendum by concerned Europeans living in London.

Katrin Lock, a German who has lived in London for seven years said the idea was simple - they wanted Europeans to post photos of them hugging their British friends with the hashtag #PleaseDontGoUK to show them that they they are loved.

She told The Local: “It’s a little bit hippy, but a little bit of hippiness is needed. People are always arguing about cucumbers and shower caps. We wanted to do something positive instead of just talking about rules and regulations.

“It’s a love-bomb for the UK.”

The group has already had contributions from French people, Italians, Germans, Spaniards and Swedes - both living in the UK and abroad - all hugging their British friends.

Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker also got involved by sharing a hug with his German fan Christine Ullman.

Ms Lock said they had received one submission from a person hugging a statue of Virginia Woolf.

People are also encouraged to explain their thoughts about friendship with Britain and why the UK should remain part of the union.

Rosella Soravia, from Italy, wrote about her friend Saul: “I know Saul from going to boarding school in Malvern, where I spend the best two years of my life thanks to the great English humour and its great education.”

Other people’s submissions were more practical than sentimental.

Berlin-based Steffi Grimm says she had had a long-distance relationship with her partner Simon for more than 20 years and the prospect of Brexit is very concerning.