“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”.
I don’t usually like to quite Churchill but there can be little doubt, that hate is on the rise in the UK. From Tommy Robinson’s recent march in London and the polarising debate about flags to racist graffiti on local businesses.
These are designed to spread fear and, in the case of the tragic attack on the synagogue in Manchester, actual harm in our communities.
So it is vital that in the face of such evil and hate, none of us stand by and do nothing. That’s why HOPE not Hate’s weekend of action this Saturday and Sunday (18-19 October) is so important and why I’ve fully committed UNISON to supporting it.
Our union has fairness, equality and respect in our DNA. We are the polar opposite of all the false promises and divisive messaging of Reform UK, Tommy Robinson and the rest of the far right.
So, we must come together against hate and spread a powerful message of hope and unity – that we stand with our neighbours, no matter where they’re from.
These last few months have been especially difficult for our migrant members. Flags that should unite us are being used to intimidate and make people feel like they don’t belong. This is racist and I am not afraid to call it out.
Reform UK has said it will abolish indefinite leave to remain. For UNISON members, working in care homes and hospitals, caring for our families and friends, such headlines have an incalculable effect. They directly sow insecurity and fear. And make no mistake, that’s exactly what is intended.
But what’s especially frustrating is that we know that these messages of division don’t reflect who we are as a country. This weekend of action is all about spreading a message of hope. It’s about the triumph of hope over hate.
Please get involved in whatever way you can. This is too important for us to do nothing.
The article Opinion: We all have to play our part and stop the hate first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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