Skip to main content
SNP Conference: O’Grady calls on unions to channel rage behind Brexit

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady appealed to the labour movement to “reach out” to working-class communities who voted for Brexit and work together to “build unity” in the face of racist attacks in Britain.

Speaking at a fringe meeting on the EU referendum and workers’ rights at the SNP conference, Ms O’Grady said: “We need to think hard about why so many people voted out. 

“How much of it was driven by the fear of immigration? How much of it was driven by wanting to give a bloody nose to Westminster and Brussels, and how much of it was a cry of pain from parts of the country that have felt shafted over the years?”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
TUC GENERAL SECRETARY: Paul Nowak
Employment Rights Act / 17 July 2026
17 July 2026

TUC general secretary PAUL NOWAK tells Ben Chacko that Labour can win back disillusioned voters by delivering workplace reforms, rebuilding trust and challenging the far right’s growing influence

First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney speaking during a press conference at Grassmarket Apex Hotel, Edinburgh, following the 2026 Holyrood elections, May 9, 2026
Features / 11 May 2026
11 May 2026

The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW

11/10/25 of SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn delivering a speech during the SNP annual conference at the Event Complex Aberdeen
Scotland / 29 November 2025
29 November 2025
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves after she gave her keynote speech during the Labour Party Conference at the ACC Liverpool, September 29, 2025
Editorial: / 16 October 2025
16 October 2025