Human rights and equality for everyone
A strong stance on supporting migrants’ rights is essential – as socialists, we believe in human compassion, in welcoming the oppressed, and in human rights and equality for everyone. We must stand together in solidarity or we will all continue to lose. I voted remain in the referendum. I’m proud to have signed up to the Labour Campaign for Free Movement, which pledges to defend and extend free movement, and I’m pleased to see that at least one of the other Labour mayoral candidates has followed me in doing so. The number one priority now is to protect the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in the EU. No compromise. This is a humanitarian issue. My husband is a migrant from Hong Kong. I know what it is like to have to go through the immigration system. While I respect the democratic decision made, I believe that we should have another referendum on the terms of our exit and if this Conservative government doesn't deliver a deal equal or better than the present, we should stay. As a city we have become a beacon in the world, showing how varied and different peoples from around the world can come together to enhance a society, making it even richer both culturally and economically. A Labour Lewisham council led by myself will take a clear stand for migrants’ rights, be they from within the EU or outside. I will be a powerful voice for this cause within the Labour Party, labour movement and wider society. And I will do my bit locally, too – there will be no further applications to the Controlling Migration Fund. Also, proposals to harass rough sleepers, many of who are migrants, will be dropped. I will provide services by working with grassroots charities which seek to empower migrants, including those with no recourse to public funds (NRPF), instead of continuing to commission larger organisations. An injury to one is an injury to all, that's why my vision for Lewisham is one that will serve the needs and interests of British citizens and migrants alike.
