PCS to ramp up fight against racism

Moved by DWP Birmingham South and seconded by R&C East Midlands, motion A25 was carried unanimously by delegates, committing PCS to continue campaigning against fascism and racism in all its forms.

A speaker from DWP Birmingham South branch told conference about the government’s intensification of racism and the likelihood of this escalating as we approach a general election. 

She addressed the cruelties of the government’s Rwanda deportation plan and the need to fight it.

“The rhetoric that the government uses enables the far-right and fascists,” she said, noting the re-emergence of Tommy Robinson, the far-right agitator.

“As the Tories ramp up their racism, we have the ramp up our anti-racism,” she added, calling on all PCS members to attend the Stand Up To Racism rally on 29 June, where they should bring PCS banners.

Colin from DWP Glasgow spoke about standing up against the organised far-right in Scotland. He told conference of how him and his comrades from campaigning organisations such as Stand Up To Racism and trade unions worked to help asylum seekers housed in the Muthu Hotel in Erskine feel safe.

Mohammed Shafiq, speaking on behalf of the NEC to support motion A25, reminded conference that PCS has a proud and long history of standing against racism and fascism. 

“The Tories have intensified their demonisation of asylum seekers, migrants and those from minority communities, whilst they attempt to divide communities those of us in trade unions are working to bring communities together and defeat the Tories not just at the next election but in every community, workplace in this country,” he said. 

“This government is demonising refugees and asylum seekers and it is PCS that is challenging that in the courts, in parliament through the PCS parliamentary group and in communities and branches across the country as we head into that general election.”

He called on delegates and members to “mobilise in the run up to the general election to ensure that voters do not vote for racist and fascist parties and yes that includes the Tories and their right wing agenda of racism and bigotry”. 

The motion instructed the NEC to:

• To support, promote and send representatives to any local and regional initiatives organised by Stand Up to Racism, such as mobilising assemblies and planning meetings
• To support mobilisations and ensure the union is represented at any counter protests and unity events in the face of racist, far right or fascist attempts in the area to organise;
• In the run-up to, and during the 2024 general election, support and encourage PCS members to participate in “Don’t vote Nazi” campaigns organised by Stand Up to Racism.

Find out more about PCS conference on our dedicated web page and follow the latest updates on our website and on social media with the hashtag #PCSADC