On Monday 3rd May 2010, a symbolic restaurant closure in London's busy Chinatown and Brick Lane areas was organised by the 'Strangers into Citizens' campaign, calling for attention to the shortage of labour and need for selective regularisation of migrants.

The rallies were followed by the Citizens UK General Election Assembly, held at the Central Methodist Hall and historically attended by Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. Three days before the General Election, in what some would call the tightest ever race in British electoral history, the three party leaders were invited to share their views on the Citizens UK 'Peoples' Agenda' infront of an audience of 2500 people drawn from member institutions. This agenda - on wages, immigration, housing, financial regulation - represents not only the interests and values of individuals alone, but calls for change arising from associations of people who have learned the art of democracy through training and public action.

Assembly

The General Election Assembly is addressed by various community leaders

The stage is filled with community leaders from Citizens UK member institutions

David Cameron watches as the audience is asked if they have been affected by unaffordable housing

David Cameron speaks to the 2,500-strong audience

Citizens UK live twitter coverage of the event

Nick Clegg shakes hands with a Malaysian woman who shares her testimony with the audience before his speech

Nick Clegg's speech

Community leaders listen to the assembly

Gordon Brown gives what the press have called his most powerful speech of the electoral campaign

Gordon Brown addresses the Assembly

Members of the Assembly join the stage to show their solidarity with the Peoples' Agenda

Two different generations join the stage hand in hand to show their support

About Shan Rixon
Based in London, Shan has lived in different places over the years, perhaps a result of coming from two distinct cultures - Chinese and English. Her love of travel and people has seen her spend extensive periods in South America, Spain and China, complete a degree in social anthropology and work in the human rights sector. She was awarded a diploma in photography in 2009 from the London College of Communication. Her passion is to photograph people and to tell stories through her work, whether that is portraiture, documentary, events or weddings. Past clients include Citizens UK, Refugee Council and the Single Homeless Project. Shan brings an energetic, original and sensitive approach to her photography. She is available for commissions. Please contact her to discuss your requirements further. Contact details and more of her work can be found at www.shanrixon.com

All images © Shan Rixon 2010