We are a group of migrant members of the Labour party and we want to encourage more migrants to vote Labour. We come from all over the world but are united in our commitment to Labour’s values. However, many migrants are not registered to vote or don’t know they have the right to vote. For example, many EU citizens who can vote in local elections might think that right stopped with Brexit – it didn’t. Sadly, this is also true for some organisers and candidates in our party who might not have the full information to be able to hold such conversations at the doorstep.

Migrants4Labour believes strongly in the importance of participation and representation, and we want to make that accessible to all. We are people of action – and we are organising Action Days in key parts of the country. We see Wimbledon as a key constituency for us following my experience canvassing in Abbey and Wandle wards, where I have talked to several migrant families who wanted to know more about getting involved in their local civic life and taking part in elections.

On Saturday 26 March, members of our group came from different corners of London to help. We distributed leaflets in different languages and our volunteers had conversations with residents in their first languages, explaining the crucial importance of making sure Merton remains Labour. Many of them will be voting for the first time – and will bring new votes to Labour!

We had lunch in a local café owned by Brazilian migrants: a short break before making our way to central London to join the march in support of the people of Ukraine.

After Brexit, tens of thousands of EU citizens became British – and they are eager to vote for the first time at the next general election. I am one of them. Together we can persuade them to vote Labour and turn Wimbledon red.

Follow Marcela and M4L on social media:

@marcelabenede10 @Migrants4Labour