Re-published from the Public and Commercial Services Union website
PCS encourages members to attend the counter demonstration against Tommy Robinson supporters and the far-right on 1 February in London.
Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) has called upon his far right fascist supporters to march in London on 1 February to demand his release from prison.
In response, PCS is urging members to attend the counter demonstration organised by Stand Up to Racism along with other trade unions and anti-fascist organisations to stop the far right.
Speakers are still being confirmed and will include PCS national president, Martin Cavanagh.
Robinson and his supporters have recently attracted support from wealthy influencers such as Elon Musk and continue to fuel the flames of division with false information, offering nothing but hatred towards refugees and people from ethnic backgrounds.
PCS will continue to mobilise in regions and nations for counter demonstrations ensuring liaison with regional TUCs and anti racism and anti fascism (ARAF) organisations. It is crucial the supporters of the far right are met with a large, noisy, but peaceful counter demonstration on 1 February.
We want to ensure that our members are able to join the event as peacefully and safely as possible so those planning to attend should refresh themselves with the advice contained within the PCS ARAF Strategy.
Transport
There will be limited funding made available for travel to members that need it. It will need to be agreed with your relevant PCS regional/national secretary before the travel booking is made. If you are unsure of who to contact, please email campaigns@pcs.org.uk.
See the Stand Up to Racism website for transport details.
Stand up to Racism
To download additional resources including the counter demonstration poster, a model motion for union branches/committees and a Tommy Robinson fact sheet please visit the Stand Up to Racism website.
The involvement of trade unions in creating a safe, peaceful and vibrant demo on 26 October proved the importance of our movement supporting these events. We outnumbered the far-right then, but they still mobilised large numbers reminding us of the need to continue to mobilise, organise and educate to spread our anti-racism and anti-fascism message.
Let’s all mobilise for 1 February to ensure that we send a clear message to the far right that their politics of hate and division has no place on our streets.
Join the Stand Up to Racism trade union network.
https://www.pcs.org.uk/news-events/news/stop-far-right-oppose-tommy-robinson-supporters
#PCSADC delegates, including GS Fran Heathcote and acting president Martin Cavanagh showed solidarity with Stand Up To Racism @AntiRacismDay before the start of today's conference business to send a message of no to racism and #RefugeesWelcome pic.twitter.com/LXmuMRC8Ps
— PCS Union (pcs.org.uk) (@pcs_union) May 22, 2024