GFTU Says No Pasaran!
A GFTU statement
N.B. This article was first published in September 2024, as part of the re-launch of our Federation News tabloid newspaper, available here.
The General Federation of Trade Unions is horrified by the far-right, Islamophobic, racist and xenophobic attacks, intimidation and rioting that has taken place recently. Founded on the values of education, solidarity, equality and unity in action, we stand fully with those under attack, with Muslim, Black and Brown and migrant communities and those seeking asylum.
We send our condolences and solidarity to the families of the children who were killed in Southport, to those who were injured and to their families and local community.
We condemn the cynical use of their deaths by fascists to further their hateful agenda. We believe it is the responsibility of the trade union movement to oppose fascism and racism by all means necessary.
There must be zero tolerance of all forms of Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia and we stand shoulder to shoulder with our members and communities against these vile attacks.
We must put forward an alternative economic and political strategy to reverse the economic and social decline that has provided a breeding ground for fascist ideas.
Any long-term strategy for the defeat of the far-right must take seriously the need to tackle discrimination and inequality, deliver stable employment, and give all communities hope for the future. This means investment in our economy and public services, increasing pay, and rebuilding the social fabric of our society.
We must oppose the racist and anti-migrant rhetoric from mainstream as well as right wing politicians, and the media, that has sustained and fed the far right.
Every politician who has talked about the need to be tough on immigration, and every media story warning about the dangers of migrants, bears a share of the responsibility for what is now happening on our streets.
We must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anti-migrant speech and all forms of overt and covert racism.
As a movement, we must be willing to confront the fascist menace on the streets where necessary, to mobilise the mass of working people to protect our communities and take back our streets.
No pasaran!