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.

Chinatown

Joy Lam of London Citizens invites the community to participate

Citizens for Sanctuary supporters ask members of the public to sign their pledge

A protestor from the Chinese Migrant Network shows his support

Hundreds of people gather in Chinatown's Gerrard Street to show their solidarity

Rally organisers shout slogans out to the crowd

Supporters

A dragon marks the beginning of the rally and half hour symbolic shutdown of local businesses

The crowd watch the dragon dance

Children attend with their families to lend their support

A leader from the Brick Lane community, where there is a simultaneous protest, addresses the crowd

Supporter

A Chinese man shows his 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