Not in our city: trade unions say far right not welcome in Newcastle

Our movement is united in standing strong against the far-right. Tommy Robinson, Nick Tenconi, and their like, are promoting division, hate, and a view of society that runs against the very principles of the trade union movement.

On the 27th of September, Nick Tenconi, the permanent leader of UKIP, and Tommy Robinson, and other prominent far right figures, are coming to Newcastle to bring their thuggery and intimidation. Many people, including many of our members, will be drawn to their demonstrations with the promises of over simplistic answers to the problems our country faces. As trade unionists leaders, we are proud to stand together to counter their narrative.

Newcastle is rightly proud of its label as a “city of sanctuary.” Offering a home to those escaping genocide, war and persecution is a fundamental British value. While immigration has brought untold benefits to our region, economically and culturally.
They talk about “mass deportations,” and “protecting British workers,” but their real mission is clear: To turn worker against worker. To dismantle unions. To destroy rights generations before us fought to win.

We know our members and activists have experienced verbal and physical abuse while delivering vital services, serving communities up and down our region. Many are rightly fearful, scared of the long term impacts this division will have on our communities.
As leaders from across our movement we are proud to stand together and make our intentions clear. This is not a debate. This is a threat.

And we meet that threat not with fear but with solidarity. Because while they’re trying to infiltrate our workplaces, our politics, and our communities, they’ve underestimated one thing:

We are not just resisting we are organising. We will continue to organise in our communities and workplaces and we give workers a real voice, empowering the working class, in all its diversity, to stand confidently for itself.

On the 27th of September many will be taking to the streets to make their feelings clear, that the far-right are not welcome in Newcastle, and we stand with them as they do. As thousands did in London on Saturday the 13th, campaigners and trade unionists are coming together to make clear, that there is an alternative to hate and division.

Many more, will not feel safe traveling around their own city, intimidated by the hatred being spread by Robinson, Tenconi and their like. This is why as a movement we call on every workplace activist, and everyone worried about this rise in hate to commit to organise with their colleagues - unite against hate.   

For more information on how to organise against the far and populist right in your workplace and in your community and for advice on staying safe please email – NorthEastYorkshireHumber@tuc.org.uk

Dave Pike, Regional Secretary, TUC - North East, Yorkshire & Humber
Clare Williams, Regional Secretary, Unison - North East
Karen Reay, Regional Secretary, Unite - North East, Yorkshire & Humber
Fran Heathcote, General Secretary, PCS Union
Beth Farhat, Regional Secretary, National Education Union - Northern
Karl Wager, Regional Secretary, Fire Brigades Union - North East
Sarah Woolley, General Secretary, BFAWU
Alex Wilson, Senior National Officer, HCSA
Brian McDaid, Assistant General Secretary, AEGIS
Simon Kennedy, NE Regional Organiser, NASUWT
Graham Smith, Regional Chair, UCU Northern Region
Micky Thompson, Regional Organiser, RMT
Martin Levy, Newcastle Trades Council
Dominic Bascombe, Regional Official – NEY&H, Equity
Natasha Nicholson, Senior Regional Head, NAHT
Kelly Pinkney, Regional Secretary, USDAW
Alan Mardghum, Secretary, Durham Miners Association
Alan Mardghum, on behalf of NUM North East area
Ian Bartholomew, Regional Secretary, PCS Yorkshire & Humber
Simon Elliott, Regional Secretary, PCS Northern
Jill Taylor, Senior Negotiating Officer (North East), Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Kathryn Armstrong, Senior Negotiating Officer (Yorkshire and Humber) Chartered Society of Physiotherapy