MESSAGES from those who have experienced homelessness lit up Parliament as politicians returned from summer recess on Monday.

Amnesty UK and homelessness charity Groundswell orchestrated the action, which comes following the launch of their new charter, Ending Homelessness Together — Our Voice, Our Rights.

The charter was developed in partnership with those with lived experience of homelessness and aims to ensure policymakers hear their views and priorities.

“Homelessness is a political choice” was projected onto Parliament, while messages were also projected into the Tower Bridge and the Angel of the North, asking for a “Home to be a Human Right.”

The charter sets out four key priorities for the government focused on improving access to housing, health services, sufficient support through benefits and having those with lived experience involved in policy decisions.

One of the individuals who supported the charter’s development, Tony, had his video projected onto Parliament detailing how the government can help tackle homelessness. 

Tony said: “As a person who has been homeless in the past, I know how difficult it is to get out of homelessness.

“The Prime Minister said it is people with the skin in the game who know what’s best for their community. So, listen to us.” 

Jen Clark, of Amnesty International UK, said: “With an unprecedented homelessness crisis, and winter looming, the return to Parliament can’t come soon enough for people experiencing homelessness.

“Policymakers can’t fob them off with promised long-term building projects and must act swiftly to protect the everyday human rights for people who have no place to call home.”