- Conference
- 2015 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 1 January 2015
- Decision
- Carried
Conference, a recent study commissioned by NatCen, an organisation which looks into British Social Attitudes has overwhelmingly established that racism is on the rise.
While thirty per cent of Britons described themselves as having “very or a little prejudice against people of other races”, the survey also outlined that attitudes have changed since the 1980’s and throughout the 1990’s. This change in attitudes is very worrying, because the study has revealed that during the aforementioned periods racism was at its highest at 38% and its lowest 25% in 2001.
The survey is implying that the sudden shift in the trend could be down to or fuelled by the events of 9/11 (2001).
It also outlined what it deemed to be least likely and most likely areas of increased racism being inner London, showing a low of 16% and the West Midlands a high of 35%. The survey also highlighted that the figures rose with 25% of 17 – 34 year olds describing themselves as racially prejudiced compared to 36% of over 55’s.
The survey also went on to state that 90% of interviewees admitted to some level of racism, indicated that it was linked to what was perceived to be the high level of immigration and they would like to see less immigration. This element was also reflected in individuals concerns about immigration in their area.
Groups such as Britain First and the EDL are using social media to increase their numbers. Their followers are growing, many of them are not even aware of what it is they are choosing to support, they only hear the sound bites ‘this country is full’, its an ‘immigrant problem’, few of them are truly aware of the hideous agenda of these far right organisations.
If we are too tackle this rise in racism, then we need to get smarter, we need to publicise how immigrants to this country have made it the great nation it is, how everyone on this isle is an immigrant. If the immigrants to this country left tomorrow, then there would be no one left on this island.
Conference therefore calls on the NBMC to work with the NEC:
1) To campaign with other trade unions to launch a social media campaign highlighting the positive contributions of immigration;
2) To produce and distribute literature to branches and regions highlighting the positive contributions of immigration and migrant workers;
3) To work with Labour Link for political support from the Labour party in tackling the rise of racism in the UK;
4) To work with community based organisations to challenge immigration myths and highlight the positive contributions of migrant communities.
Submitted by: Yorkshire & Humberside Region and Sheffield Comm Hlth Unison