UNISON members were among the thousands of people who converged on London on 22 March for the Stand up to Racism and Fascism rally.
The event, which marked UN Anti-Racism Day and formed part of an international day of action, was supported by a donation from UNISON’s general political fund.
There was a large turnout for the event from the union’s regions and branches.
Many different communities were represented and joined community organisations, trade unions and speakers, including TUC President Mohammad Taj and Diane Abbott MP.
National secretary for equalities Gloria Mills told the crowds that the union was “pleased to be sponsoring this rally. UNISON has always been at the forefront in dealing with the major social issues of our time – opposing racism and fascism and standing up for fairness and equality.”
But she added: “Britain is becoming more unequal and austerity is eroding years of progress on equality while racism is increasing.
“We will not let Britain slide into the political gutter – exploiting ethnic, racial and national differences – for political advantage and electoral gain.
“We will speak up, we will speak out and we will stand up and say ‘no’ to racism, ‘no’ to fascism, ‘no’ to the politics of hate.”
