Scott Ainslie MEP, Green Party, London, launched a new campaign - #LDNlovesEU - encouraging Londoners to stand in solidarity with the city’s 1 million EU27 citizens.

In June 2016, the majority of electors in London voted to Remain. However, the 1 million EU27 citizens living in our city - roughly 12% of the population - were denied a chance to have a say in this life-changing decision.

Since then, successive Tory Governments have used EU27 citizens as bargaining chips - leaving them in an intolerable state of limbo, often feeling unwelcome in their own homes.

In his new campaign, Scott Ainslie is asking people to show their fellow Londoners that they stand in solidarity, to tell the UK Government that they will not tolerate discrimination in any form, and to demonstrate to the EU that their identity is truly European.

Scott Ainslie, London’s Green MEP and the Green Party's migration spokesperson, explains:

“Migration is the lifeblood of London, making it one of the world’s most culturally rich, vibrant and diverse cities in which to live, work and thrive.

This Tory Government’s abhorrent treatment of EU citizens - who comprise about 12% of London’s total population - is simply unacceptable. Just as ministers were forced to admit their monumental failings over the Windrush generation, so too must they own up to their total betrayal of EU citizens up and down this country.

The Government needs to give absolute and unequivocal assurances to these citizens - and to UK citizens living elsewhere in Europe - that their existing rights will be upheld, regardless of what happens with Brexit. We cannot, and we will not, tolerate discrimination against anyone who lives in our city, or beyond.

Let us be very clear that being a Londoner is not a question of where you were born, the language you speak, or the colour of your skin. It’s about being open-minded, respectful of each other’s differences, and united in celebrating our diversity.

I’m calling on all of my constituents to stand against this Government’s cruel and discriminatory policies, and demonstrate that we stand in solidarity with our fellow Londoners. Let’s send a loud and clear message to those who seek to divide us: we’re proud to be citizens of London, citizens of Europe and citizens of the world.”

Find out about how you can get involved with the campaign here.