Thousands join Solidarity with Refugees rally in London

Tens of thousands of people have marched through the streets of central London for a rally in support of refugees, with similar events taking place in other European capitals, The Guardian reported.

The Solidarity with Refugees event on Saturday began at Park Lane and proceeded to Downing Street, with speeches in Parliament Square from a number of politicians and public figures including Jeremy Corbyn, the newly elected leader of the Labour party, and musician and activist Billy Bragg.

Others expected at the event were Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green party, and representatives of participating organisations such as the Refugee Council, Amnesty International, the Syria Solidarity Movement, Stand Up to Racism and the Stop the War Coalition.

Parliament Square was packed with Corbyn supporters waving banners reading “refugees welcome” and other messages of support. They cheered and chanted “Jez we can, Jez we can” as he took to the stage hours after being voted Labour leader and demanded that the government recognise its “obligations in law”.

Corbyn said: “Recognise your obligations to help people which you’re required to do by law, that would be good. But above all, open your hearts and open your minds and open your attitude towards supporting people who are desperate, who need somewhere safe to live, want to contribute to our society, and are human beings just like all of us. Together in peace, together in justice, together in humanity, that surely must be our way forward.”

His speech was followed by an enthusiastic solo rendition of The Red Flag by Bragg.
Source: MENA