Should Strangers have the Right to be Citizens?

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th May 2009

London Euro Candidate Jonathan Fryer, Merlene Emerson and Chris Huhne MP

Thousands of people, both British and non British turned up in Trafalgar Square on bank holiday Monday for the 'Strangers into Citizens' rally. On this issue, those from various faith groups, trade unionists as well as politicians were agreed, undocumented workers are valuable to our British economy and should be given respect and protection under the law.

Regularising 'illegals' would actually bring tens of millions of pounds into the British Exchequer, as the people concerned would then be paying taxes. More importantly, they would no longer be at risk of exploitation and abuse, as they are at present. These arguments were forcefully put by Lib Dem spokesperson Chris Huhne MP as well as London Euro candidate Jonathan Fryer who were invited to speak at this event.

Merlene Emerson representing Chinese Lib Dems was with the Chinese contingent that marched from Gerrard Street to join the many community groups at Trafalgar Square ranging from Bengali caterers to Columbian dancers, all united in chanting 'Strangers into Citizens', and 'Recognition, Regularisation and Respect'.

We are not asking for the earth - nor for benefits - but only the right to work and contribute to British society and with time (after 6 years) to earn the right to citizenship.