Slaves on our Streets: Walk for Freedom march to demand end of modern slavery on streets of London

Demonstration by A21 UK seeks to raise awareness and promote social activism

Charlie Blythe, director of A21 UK (Elliot Wagland)

Independent readers are encouraged to join a march through central London tomorrow to demand an end to modern slavery.

There is still time to sign up for the Walk For Freedom, taking place on Saturday morning, expected to be London’s biggest-ever walk against domestic servitude, forced labour and sexual exploitation.

“We are expecting far more people than last year,” said Charlie Blythe, director of A21 UK, who organises the walk.

“We are already way ahead on sign-ups ahead of the walk and we are expecting a good few hundred more, including people just showing up on the day.”

Those taking part in the protest will gather at 9.30am at Old Palace Yard outside Westminster.

Shortly after 10am, walkers will begin walking in a silent, single-file procession, handing out information leaflets as they pass through Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.

The walk is visually stunning, said Ms Blythe, with most walkers dressing in special black t-shirts and wearing tape over their mouths to symbolise the silence of today’s slaves.

The protest coincides with other walks being staged by the abolitionist group across 400 cities around the world.

Ms Blythe said The Independent and Evening Standard’s special investigation has raised awareness and boosted the walk, which mostly attracts people in the 16 to 30 age bracket who have been inspired to take action.

“It’s just one of those things that makes you feel great, to do something for other people,” she said.

“And it is something absolutely everybody can do to make an impact.”

Sign up to go on the walk at a21.org.

Visit Freedom United's action hub for The Independent