iving a voice to those with no voice that anyone in a position of power will listen to, is surely one of the key things we believe in as Liberal Democrats.
There was the opportunity for just this at Sanctuary in Parliament last week.
Asylum seekers and refugees from throughout the country were able to go to Parliament to meet with their MPs, and tell them of the impact on their lives of living in poverty, or being destitute, and not having the right to work.
I had gone, with a non-political hat, with a team from Tees Valley, including 2 people seeking asylum who are awaiting decisions, one asylum seeker who is destitute, 2 refugees.
The MPs had been invited to attend beforehand, and with a fair bit of chasing up nearly all of those from Tees Valley did.
Also four Lib Dem Peers, Brian Paddick, Roger Roberts (and his researcher Helen Byrne), Sally Hamwee and Shas Sheehan came along, and we met Sal Brinton there too. Ed Davey sent his caseworker as he was unable to attend himself, and Layla Moran’s researcher came as she was unwell.
One of our delegates spoke from the platform with a very moving and beautifully delivered speech. All met with the parliamentarians, and told their stories, specifically relating to the theme, and generally got involved.