After Southport, UNI joins UK unions denouncing far-right racist violence

After the horrific events that shook Southport on 29 July and the following riots by right-wing extremists, UNI joins UK trade unions in denouncing disgusting, racist attacks. The UK unions have shared their thoughts with the families and loved ones affected – and denounced the far right’s weaponisation of their pain to spread hatred and sow division.

In a statement, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said:

“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have died and are receiving treatment for their injuries. They should be the priority for everyone who cares about what has happened.

Instead some have sought to use the tragic event in Southport to divide and spread hate – based on mistruths and false information. Far right thugs have taken to the streets of Southport, Hartlepool and London to attack Police and emergency service workers, to target Muslim communities with xenophobic hatred and to despoil the memories of those whose lives were so tragically cut short.”

In a joint statement, the 11 unions affiliated to the Labour Party (TULO) also called out the weaponisation of grief by the far right:

“Organised far-right and racist groups have deliberately taken a tragedy, combined it with outright lies and disinformation, and used it to whip up fear and violence. In towns and cities across the country we’ve seen riots, attacks on Muslim and Black communities, and violence against asylum seekers and migrants.

We have also seen working people attacked while doing their jobs. Our police and emergency and public service workers, and those working in retail, hospitality and transport have been targeted with threats, abuse and violence.”

At the same, the tragic events of Southport also demonstrated the power of solidarity. The TUC recalls:

“Whilst what took place in Southport leaves a dark shadow, we have seen some of the best of us. Our emergency service workers who rushed to danger, who provided and continue to provide life-saving care. Our public service workers providing ongoing care and support and practical help. Our teachers and support staff in the schools attended by young people affected and our community organisations who have stepped up to help and provide counselling.”

Finally, TULO reminds us of the role of the trade union movement in fighting against racism and the far right by evoking the words of Jo Cox, a Labour MP killed at the hands of far-right violence:

“The trade union movement is built on the principles of solidarity and unity, and that unity has never been more important. We reaffirm our commitment to building solidarity and uniting working people against the far-right. Now is the time for communities to come together, and for us to remember the words of Jo Cox: “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”.”