Category: Islamophobia

Communities must come together to reject extremism and hatred, says UNISON

Responding to the riots which took place over the weekend, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The overwhelming majority of people will be appalled by the scenes of violence, racism and looting inflicted by far right thugs in towns and cities across Britain.

“Those who co-ordinated these so-called protests have exploited the tragic events in Southport to incite misplaced fear, division and hatred – often at a distance through social media.

“The vile thuggery of those involved not only disrespects the victims and their families in Southport but also tarnishes the reputation of the diverse and strong communities protestors falsely claim to represent.

“It’s distressing to see racist mobs laughing while attacking hotels housing vulnerable asylum seekers. Mosques have been attacked forcing the government to step up security to keep the mobs out. Virulent islamophobia has taken hold on the streets, polluting British town and cities and making people feel unsafe.

“Social media is making life too easy for the thugs. Social media companies need to do all they can to impede the criminals and those spreading hate.

“Public servants have been in the firing line too. It’s been reported that Filipino NHS nurses and others travelling to work to help treat the injured have been attacked, and several police officers striving to keep our streets safe have been injured too. No one should be fearing for their safety simply because of the colour of their skin.

“In modern Britain, there is no place for violence or racist thuggery. Communities must stand united in rejecting this abhorrent extremism and work to foster a society grounded in mutual respect.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contact:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

The article Communities must come together to reject extremism and hatred, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Communities must come together to reject extremism and hatred, says UNISON

Responding to the riots which took place over the weekend, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The overwhelming majority of people will be appalled by the scenes of violence, racism and looting inflicted by far right thugs in towns and cities across Britain.

“Those who co-ordinated these so-called protests have exploited the tragic events in Southport to incite misplaced fear, division and hatred – often at a distance through social media.

“The vile thuggery of those involved not only disrespects the victims and their families in Southport but also tarnishes the reputation of the diverse and strong communities protestors falsely claim to represent.

“It’s distressing to see racist mobs laughing while attacking hotels housing vulnerable asylum seekers. Mosques have been attacked forcing the government to step up security to keep the mobs out. Virulent islamophobia has taken hold on the streets, polluting British town and cities and making people feel unsafe.

“Social media is making life too easy for the thugs. Social media companies need to do all they can to impede the criminals and those spreading hate.

“Public servants have been in the firing line too. It’s been reported that Filipino NHS nurses and others travelling to work to help treat the injured have been attacked, and several police officers striving to keep our streets safe have been injured too. No one should be fearing for their safety simply because of the colour of their skin.

“In modern Britain, there is no place for violence or racist thuggery. Communities must stand united in rejecting this abhorrent extremism and work to foster a society grounded in mutual respect.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contact:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

The article Communities must come together to reject extremism and hatred, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON

UNISON is extremely concerned at recent reports that Lord Walney, the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption, has proposed that MPs, councillors and Labour-affiliated unions cut ties and no longer engage with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

UNISON completely opposes these proposals and limits on the right to peaceful protest, and urges the government and opposition parties to reject them.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign does not support protests outside the homes of elected representatives.

UNISON defends the right to peaceful protest outside MPs offices, town halls and Parliament. It also upholds the right of MPs and their staff to work without fear of intimidation or harassment.

UNISON was one of the first UK unions to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. It has also repeatedly called for full access to humanitarian assistance, the immediate and safe release of hostages and an end to the blockade of Gaza.

The union has encouraged branches and members to participate in peaceful protests in support of these demands and appealed for support for the emergency medical response in both Palestine and Israel.

The situation in Palestine and Israel has always been an international priority for UNISON and the union has consistently called for an end to the occupation and for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel.

UNISON condemns the appalling rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia seen in recent months.

The article Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON

UNISON is extremely concerned at recent reports that Lord Walney, the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption, has proposed that MPs, councillors and Labour-affiliated unions cut ties and no longer engage with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

UNISON completely opposes these proposals and limits on the right to peaceful protest, and urges the government and opposition parties to reject them.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign does not support protests outside the homes of elected representatives.

UNISON defends the right to peaceful protest outside MPs offices, town halls and Parliament. It also upholds the right of MPs and their staff to work without fear of intimidation or harassment.

UNISON was one of the first UK unions to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. It has also repeatedly called for full access to humanitarian assistance, the immediate and safe release of hostages and an end to the blockade of Gaza.

The union has encouraged branches and members to participate in peaceful protests in support of these demands and appealed for support for the emergency medical response in both Palestine and Israel.

The situation in Palestine and Israel has always been an international priority for UNISON and the union has consistently called for an end to the occupation and for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel.

UNISON condemns the appalling rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia seen in recent months.

The article Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia

UNISON has produced a new guide to help members and activists understand antisemitism and Islamophobia.

As both antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise and regularly discussed in the media, the briefing has been produced with Hope not hate to help activists better understand specifically how racism manifests itself in the context of the current conflict in Gaza.

Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia guide

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle the unprecedented increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia we have seen in recent months.

“Education is the first stage on that journey. I hope this guide helps to increase our understanding and awareness, so we are better able to confront and avoid antisemitism and Islamophobia in our union and communities.”

Members can contact their local branch or region if they experience either antisemitism or Islamophobia – or you may also wish to contact the national equality team by emailing equality@unison.co.uk

The article Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia

UNISON has produced a new guide to help members and activists understand antisemitism and Islamophobia.

As both antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise and regularly discussed in the media, the briefing has been produced with Hope not hate to help activists better understand specifically how racism manifests itself in the context of the current conflict in Gaza.

Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia guide

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle the unprecedented increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia we have seen in recent months.

“Education is the first stage on that journey. I hope this guide helps to increase our understanding and awareness, so we are better able to confront and avoid antisemitism and Islamophobia in our union and communities.”

Members can contact their local branch or region if they experience either antisemitism or Islamophobia – or you may also wish to contact the national equality team by emailing equality@unison.co.uk

The article Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia first appeared on the UNISON National site.