The group of migrants are travelling to the country’s capital to meet with Riverside MP Kim Johnson, experience a tour of Parliament and most importantly share their stories. The tour brings together city residents originally from Ukraine, Egypt, Guatemala, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, and Kurdistan - all of whom are currently excluded from the right to vote in England due to restrictive eligibility criteria.
“That shouldn’t mean we are excluded from the right to vote in our home, the UK. We want to be equal and active parts of society. We want to shape our own future, we want to vote.” From a range of nationalities and current immigration statuses, the participants will share their stories and express their desire to participate in the democratic system.
“I am an asylum seeker and can’t wait to be fully part of my new home in Liverpool. For too long, I have been excluded from full rights and participation. When I get my refugee status, I want to be able to vote just like my friends from the UK, the Commonwealth and the EU.”