UNISON Withdraws Rise Festival Funding

Delegates at UNISON’s national conference in Bournemouth today (20 June) voted to withdraw funding from the Rise festival, after the newly elected Tory Mayor of London decided to take anti-racist campaigning out of the annual event.

In a statement issued to trade unions last week, Boris Johnson’s Director of Cultural Policy said that it was ‘no longer appropriate to have overtly political campaigning groups involved’.

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: “As long as the anti-racist message is removed from the Rise festival, UNISON will have no part in funding it. London is a city of 270 nationalities. It is a city where different cultures should flourish, and racism should have no place. Sadly, on the streets of our capital many people face inequality, abuse and even violence on account of their race.

“The Rise festival was a chance to bring the community together in the fight against the far right. In taking away this opportunity, Boris Johnson has shown his true blue Tory colours.”

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The Rise festival was founded by the TUC as a dedication to Stephen Lawrence and other black citizens who have faced racism. However, at this years festival the National Assembly Against Racism has had its tented area removed, and the Cuba Solidarity Campaign has been refused entry.

UNISON paid £25,000 each year to help fund the festival.