Four hundred protesters staged a peaceful demonstration at the prime minister's Downing Street residence, where they delivered hundreds of CVs from Zimbabweans seeking employment in the UK. According to protest organisers Citizens for Sanctuary, the demonstration marked six months since the prime minister said he would look into the plight of this group living in the UK.
Approximately 11,000 Zimbabweans live in the UK but are unable to work here or access benefits. They cannot return to their native country because of oppression under its president, Robert Mugabe.
Liberal Democrat shadow foreign secretary Edward Davey, said: "The Government and the Tories can condemn Mugabe all they like, but this is a chance to really stand up for those who have suffered under his oppressive regime."
"Rather than invest in the skills and work that will help refugees in Britain prepare for a post-Mugabe Zimbabwe, this Government is forcing them into destitution.
"Britain must not betray the very people it should be helping for a moment longer."
Zimbabweans ask for the right to work in Britain
Hundreds of Zimbabweans converged on Downing Street yesterday asking to work, train and pay tax.
