ACTIVISTS gathered in St Thomas' Square, Newport, this afternoon (Monday) to mark the United Nations world day of social justice.

Migrants from Finland, Sweden, Hungary, Poland, Australia, and Germany stood side-by-side with Islanders in a display of solidarity with refugees and the three million EU citizens currently living in the UK. 

Nicholas Belfitt, chairman of the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats, said: "We shouldn’t give up on global solidarity. A lot of the migrants on the IW work and help make our society and the Island better, and we need to welcome them as part of the community."

In October last year, trade secretary Liam Fox MP suggested EU citizens living in the UK were "one of our main cards" in Brexit negotiations. 

One woman who attended the event said: "The last few months have been full of uncertainty. I came here to this square because I wanted to support the three million EU citizens who are living in the UK.
 
"I find it incredibly mean to be used as a bargaining chip in the negotiations, it’s like using a human shield in a war. This is my home and we love living here. The culture, the language, it’s a lovely place to live. The Island is amazing and has real community spirit." 

Vix Lowthion, leader of the IW Green Party, added: "We’ve not just gathered here as migrants, but to also represent migrants. A lot of our migrant community on the IW couldn’t be here today because they’re working. And not just working in the public sector and hospitals and schools, but they’re working in the fields and care homes, and working in their own business, and we rely on them."