As the government is defeated by over 100 votes in the House of Lords on an amendment calling for the rights of EU citizens to be guaranteed, a major national demonstration is set to take place on March 18th, the same week Prime Minister Theresa May plans to trigger article 50. With the date looming, the government is now under mounting pressure to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in advance of article 50 being triggered.
The March Against Racism, which coincides with UN Anti-Racism Day and anti-racist demonstrations across Europe, is intended to send a powerful message of the depth of support for migrant rights and opposition to the government’s attempt to scapegoat migrants for the problems caused by austerity and economic stagnation.
Stand Up To Racism, the organisers of the event which is supported by the TUC, Unite, UNISON and many other trade union, faith and community groups, have called on all those who oppose racism, whether they voted leave or remain, to come together and show unity against racist scapegoating and the denial of basic rights.
A facebook event for the march has already attracted interest from over 10,000 people and coaches have been booked from across the country where rallies have been taking place.
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism Co-convenor said:
“That the government feels it is acceptable to use the rights of EU citizens as bargaining tools is an indication of the level of hostility that has been whipped up since the referendum. Migrants are a massive benefit to our economy and public services – we need them here, and we need to guarantee their rights. Polls have shown both leave and remain voters are united in refusing to accept cutting immigration at the expense of jobs and the economy. On March 18th we call for all those who oppose racism to come together and defend migrant rights.”
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor said:
“EU workers should not be used as bargaining chips. To do so is feeding directly into the racist climate around immigration. We should stand in solidarity with them and demand that their status is protected immediately. We must also challenge the racist rhetoric coming from Theresa May’s government, who are stealing UKIP’s racist clothes on immigration.”
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