Up to 50 sex workers and their supporters paraded in Soho to thank residents for their support in fighting plans to evict them from two flats in Dean Street.

The Rev David Gilmore, above, of nearby St Anne's Anglican church, attended.

Police closed the flats in February claiming they were a haven for drug dealers. They reopened after prostitutes took their fight to court.

It was argued the flats gave them greater safety.

Reader views (6)

Here's a sample of the latest views published.

Paul Raymond's grand daughter now owns 60 of Soho's 90 acres. It would be good if she could highlight the absurdity of the police operations which place the working girls in greater danger. A victory for common sense, well done to the vicar!

- Sue English, London

Why not do the sensible thing here and ‘Legalize Prostitution and protect the Public’ Not from just drug dealers, but more important, protection from sexually transmitted diseases. This trade needs to be regulated by sensible law enforcement.

This is in fact one of the oldest profession’s three is, and we need to move with the times and see Prostitution from all sides. What if your partner married or otherwise needs sex relief are you to deny this as it has a stigma if you yourself cannot oblige?

Signed Carl Barron Chairman of agpcuk

- Carl Barron, Christchurch, Dorset

legalise it, license it, regulate it and tax it!!!!

- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties

It is wonderful to see sex workers marching together to celebrate their choice and to protest at yet more bad law being forced through by an unpopular government. Health and safety and human rights not bad law based on mis information, bigotry and ignorance.
D Fox

- D Fox, Newcastle Upon Tyne. UK

Women working in the flats also came out to prove the lie to claims that most women working in the sex industry are trafficked or forced. Government & police are using trafficking to justify increased raids, arrests, convictions. Women working together have been charged with brothel-keeping and controlling which carry a sentence of seven years in prison. We are facing a moral crusade aimed at clamping down on the sex industry using trafficking as an excuse. This is criminalising more women, trapping them in prostitution and pushing the industry underground and women and men into more danger. And all at a time of recession when more women are being forced to sell sex to keep a roof over their heads or shoes on their children's feet. Sex workers came out to demand that safety be prioritised. Police should focus on dealing with the rape and violence that gets reported to them not on raids and deportations.

- Nadine Franklin, London

Legalise/decriminalise it, much better to control the trade. It isn't going to go away, so tax it and provide healthy and safe environments.

- Frank, Home Counties, England.