MDP in Colchester

Migrant Democracy Project went to Colchester to collaborate on an event with RAMA, Colchester City Council, and Councillors Kemal Çufoglu and Elizabeth Alake-Akinyemi.

We went to Colchester because we want to see Colchester City Council tabling a motion in support of the right to vote for all residents, no matter where they are from. This event was hosted at RAMA, an organisation doing incredible work to support migrants in Colchester through immigration advice, casework, and community care.

We delivered a presentation on UK politics and the democratic system to about 30 residents from a variety of nationalities. Then two migrant Councillors (Kemal Çufoglu and Elizabeth Alake-Akinyemi) spoke about their plans to make the city more migrant inclusive.

Colchester City Councillors Kemal Çufoglu and Elizabeth Alake-Akinyemi

We talked about the importance of migrant councillors who can bring their lived experience to policy making at all levels of politics. We encouraged residents to write to their local councillors asking them to support the motion for votes for all residents.

Cllr Kemal Çufoglu a previous MPower participant (MPower is MDP’s candidate training programme), will propose the motion on the 5th of December at the full council meeting!

It was a powerful event bringing migrant residents together who want to build power and shape the politics of their home! Take action and write to your local councillors and MPs to support the right to vote for all residents, no matter where they are from.

Lara Parizotto from MDP speaking on Democracy