Motion passed at branch meeting on Tuesday 27th January 2026.
UoB Unison branch committee notes:
1. The rise of the far right and anti-refugee racism across Britain, as well as many other areas of the world
2. On 13 September a demonstration organised by fascists such as ‘Tommy Robinson’ (aka Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) and with the support of Elon Musk was able to bring 150,000 onto the streets of London on a racist, hate filled and violent mobilisation. This was the largest mobilisation achieved by fascists in British history.
3. That while the anti-racist movement was able to bring out 20,000 on the streets to send a message that the fascists will not take our streets without challenge, it is clear that we need a much greater level of mobilisation.
4. In Bristol as across the UK we have seen numerous far right and fascist-led attacks on hotels housing refugees
5. The calling of a Bristol Unity March Against Racism, backed by the South West TUC on Saturday 14th February.
6. The launch of the TOGETHER alliance – www.togetheralliance.org.uk which has called for a major “Together Against The Far Right” unity mobilisation for Saturday 28th March
7. This initiative is backed by several major trade unions and campaign organisations (See website for full details) and Stand Up to Racism and a number of celebrities: Lenny Henry, Paloma Faith, Fontaines DC, Kneecap, Paul Weller and many others.
UoB Unison branch committee believes:
1. Racism only divides us and weakens the labour movement.
2. That the problems of poverty, austerity, housing and health are not caused by refugees but by decades of austerity and underfunding.
3. The far right demonstration on 13th September should be a wake-up call, and shows the need for a much greater level of mobilisation to combat racism and far-right street movements
4. Combatting racism should be a priority for Unison and all trade unions.
UoB Unison branch committee resolves to:
1. To support the Together Against the Far Right alliance and publicise the demonstration on 28th March
2. To support the Bristol Unity March Against Racism by all means possible, including adding our logo to the publicity, taking up the offer of a stall, and sending a delegation with the branch banner
3. To make a donation of £100 towards the cost of the Unity March against Racism