Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
‘There is nothing that Reform wants less than a united working class’
Farage's far-right party seek to scapegoat migrants to weaken workers' rights, Stand Up to Racism conference warns
Stand Up to Racism Sabby Dhalu co-convenor speaks at a side panel at the Stand Up to Racism, March 1, 2025

TRADE UNIONISTS at Stand Up To Racism (SUTR’s) annual conference warned of the threat workers face from Reform UK.

Speakers at Saturday’s event in central London highlighted how far-right figures are using the issues facing working-class communities and scapegoating migrants to drive division and weaken the workers’ struggle.

They called for unity and warned that the labour movement would need to provide answers on austerity, healthcare, privatisation, housing and employment issues to grab the argument away from the far right.

NASUWT general secretary and TUC anti-racism task force chairman Patrick Roach told attendees: “During the general election, Reform declared war on our movement, telling our members that [Reform are] pro-worker, stoking fear among workers who are already anxious in a world of big-tech, AI, deindustrialisation and climate change.

“But it’s our movement, not Reform, that’s on the side of working people and families.

“We know that despite their populist rhetoric, their misinformation, the easy answers that they’re peddling, the Reform supporters want better than what they’re being offered by [the party].”

FBU general secretary Steve Wright summed up the far right: “They’re attacking the working class and they are presenting themselves as the anti-Establishment parties.

“But what they’re offering is … division and hatred.”

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcoate warned the electoral threat of Reform is very real, adding: “They offer no solutions to this country’s problems: they only offer scapegoats and are a threat to our public services and communities.

“There is nothing that Reform wants less than a united working class demanding better pay, investment in public services, council housing and decent social security.

“And that is why they work so hard to divert us into blaming migrants and dragging us into ‘culture war’ arguments that are a complete distraction.”

Aslef general secretary Mick Lynch called for the trade union movement to stand together to challenge the rhetoric of far-right voices and Unison national black members’ committee chairman Adejare Oyewole warned that the global rise of the far right “threatens the very fabric of our societies.”

Mr Oyewole said: “History has taught us where this road leads. When one group is targeted it sets a precedent for others to be next. We do not have the luxury of neutrality.

“Unity over division and action over silence,” he urged.

National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede’s warning was stark.

“We have got four and a half years until Nigel Farage walks into number 10 — unless we stop him,” he said.

“And it is on us to do that because, let’s be honest, the current Prime Minister is just paving the way for him.”

TUC head of equalities Kudsia Batool said fascism is “directly linked to the erosion of workers’ rights,” adding: “We have to ensure that our movement is strong, united and has the power to challenge economic injustices.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
People take part in a demonstration at Trafalgar Square in London in support of Palestine Action,  June 23, 2025
Britain / 23 June 2025
23 June 2025

Home Secretary Cooper confirms plans to ban the group and claims its peaceful activists ‘meet the legal threshold under the Terrorism Act 2000’

President Donald Trump speaks as a flag pole is installed on the South Lawn of the White House, June 18, 2025, in Washington
Iran-Israel War / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025

US president says his nation might join forces with Israel in attacking Iran

California Highway Patrol officers arrest two men after a dispersal order during a protest, June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles
United States / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025
Similar stories
An anti-racism ‘Unity Over Division’ counter-protest in
TUC Racial Discrimination and Equality Conference ’24 / 4 December 2024
4 December 2024
Britain / 10 September 2024
10 September 2024
Trade unionists unite at anti-racism rally outside TUC
Anti-racism protesters during a march in Birmingham, August
Britain / 9 August 2024
9 August 2024
Over 40 demonstrations planned following wave of Islamophobic and racist violence
A car burns during an anti-immigration protest in Middlesbro
Britain / 7 August 2024
7 August 2024
Unions say politicians and media bear ‘share of responsibility’ as riots sweep Britain’s streets