The politics of hate must be opposed, says TUC boss at Cable Street memorial

Speaking at a rally today (Sunday) to mark the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, a battle which prevented fascists marching through largely-Jewish neighbourhoods in 1936, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Eighty years ago people stood defiantly against fascist thuggery. People of all backgrounds joined together to resist fascism and antisemitism.

“They stopped the politics of hate in its tracks – something which still resonates in modern Britain, where racist attacks have surged since the Brexit vote. As they did at Cable Street, trade unionists must always stand up for equality and respect.

“Politicians who blame migrants for our problems are playing with fire. Nobody really believes that compiling lists of foreigners will solve anything, except further stoking hatred and division.

“Those who practice the politics of hate exploit low pay, rubbish jobs, rip-off housing and weak public services. Instead of fuelling hostility against decent people in search of a better life, the government should focus on improving working people’s lives and tackling bad bosses.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
- Frances O’Grady will speak at the Cable Street anniversary rally at 12:00, 9 October 2016, at Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel Road, London E1. Later that day, she will speak at London Jewish Forum's anniversary event in Shoreditch.