Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Polish migrants strike nationwide and donate blood to battle prejudice

As well as a nationwide strike, migrants also protested outside Parliament

Ryan Ramgobin
Thursday 20 August 2015 11:28 EDT
Comments
UK: Polish migrants strike and give blood to battle prejudice

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thousands of Polish migrant workers have gone on strike today; they are using the time off work to donate blood, in order to demonstrate their value and contribution to the British economy.

More than 2,000 people registered to donate blood as part of the #polishblood campaign. The idea was conceived by George Byczynski, coordinator of the British Poles Initiative.

Byczynski donated blood today and believes there is a great connection between Britain and Poland.

“The history of the Polish people in the United Kingdom is beautiful. Our grandfathers fought in the Battle of Britain seventy-five years ago, and spilled the blood then. And today we are donating blood for Britain as well.”

“Poles do not come here to take benefits, they come here to work, study and contribute to society... nobody can ever complain about a migrant who comes here to donate blood – it’s a beautiful thing.”

The British Poles Initiative have been posting pictures of those who have donated blood today on their social networks.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in