THAT we are having to organise national demonstrations against the far right in Britain shows the challenge we face.  

The rise in racist, Islamophobic and anti-semitic attacks recorded in Britain is a matter for alarm for us all. Years of outright or thinly veiled racist comments and xenophobia spouted by senior politicians and some sections of the media have had the effect of normalising racism. It’s emboldened and assisted those on the far right.  

This has posed a real threat to the social cohesion of this country and our progress towards a fairer and more equal society. It has an impact on our schools and colleges.

It is clearly the case that what happens in wider society does not end at the school gates. Language which is designed to make people wary of migration. Negative, racist stereotypes. This all has a real and immediate impact on classrooms. It encourages abuse, intolerance and suspicion of different cultures and religions. It threatens our progress toward greater race equality, whether in education, employment or community safety. It means a rise in bullying.  

Our members believe in the power of education. They will take a lead in challenging racism, Islamophobia and anti-semitism. They will work to plan inclusive lessons, teach about black British history and give every young person a sense of belonging in their school or college. But this needs a national approach.

Every student needs an anti-racist education; the skills to interrogate what they view and read online;  an education which empowers them to think for themselves and to feel proud of their heritage and culture. Education must be creative and powerful if it is to respond to the inequalities around race and class which young people face.

Teachers need appropriate training and encouragement to respond to these important social challenges. The recently launched review of the curriculum needs to look at how we teach, as well as what we teach. Education should be about relationships and empowerment. The new government had pledged to focus on how we help young people thrive as well as student attainment. I welcome this.

This week we’ve seen more detail from the government about its ambition to join up action on child poverty. Some 46 per cent of black children are living in poverty. This is simply a disgrace.

Racism fuels social exclusion. It fuels fear.

We must unite. We must ensure refugees are welcome here. I’m proud it’s trade unions leading the national conversation about higher living standards and secure jobs. Unions are the force to secure economic justice and fair taxation.

As Benjamin Zephaniah said: “This planet is for everyone. Borders are for no-one. It’s all about freedom.”

Daniel Kebede is general secretary of the National Education Union.