We are horrified to witness fascists rioting in towns and cities across Britain, leading to attacks on mosques and hotels housing migrants. The far right is spreading anti-Muslim racism. This affects our union members, home and international students and communities in our city and across the country.
As trade unionists we are writing to express our solidarity with communities affected by fascist violence and affirm our commitment to countering fascism, racism and islamophobia wherever we may find it. Our movement is founded on the principles of solidarity and mutual aid. It is together in caring, mutually supportive communities that people are able to thrive and resist divisive lies and hatred.
The anti-Muslim racism from Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party, Suella Braverman and the Conservative party, as well as reactionary sections of the Labour Party have fuelled the riots on our streets. Tommy Robinson and other racists and fascists have exploited the horrific knife attack in Southport to sow division. This also coincides with the rise of the far right and fascist forces across Europe.
We, the UMUCU, urge all those who oppose fascism and racism, to unite and demonstrate that we are the majority, and they are the few.
No to racism and fascism. Refugees are welcome here.
Trade unionism is grounded in collective action, so, in light of recent events we will organise to:
- Support community mutual aid and fundraising campaigns for affected communities.
- Support anti-fascist demonstrations and coordinate the involvement of our members.
Keep our campus community safe and make sure that the university does all it can to support our campus and our city to resist fascism.