This last week has made many people who call this country home feel frightened and questioning whether they will ever be accepted. The attacks on people’s homes, places of worship and the attempted arsons at hotels where those seeking asylum have been accommodated has been the product of years of dehumanising and scapegoating language. Politicians and the media who have used and continue to target human beings who only want somewhere safe to live must bear responsibility for the increase in racist attacks.

For those who argue that the “protests” are about immigration are being naive at best or dishonest at worst. The attacks have seen specific communities bear destruction and fear. Not all “immigrants” or refugees have been attacked and we need to be to clear that these are racist attacks against black and brown people and especially those who are Muslim.

The sadness and horror of the children murdered in Southport has been used by groups linked to the far-right to spread lies and misinformation. The anti-racism organisation, Hope Not Hate have researched those involved in the riots and have linked them to groups like Patriotic Alternative who not only seek to blame immigration for Britain’s economic problems but also promote antisemitic conspiracies.

We do need to invest in our communities who have been most impacted by cuts to services. We have seen a huge decline in living standards by the majority of us which is being exploited to fuel division and hate.

Trade unions are made up of workers from all backgrounds and from all different sectors of work. UNISON members are at the forefront of our communities as we work in councils, schools, care sector and many essential services. We have many migrant workers who have left their families to look after families in the UK, so we need to join together to ensure that all our work colleagues and those where we live feel safe and supported.

The branch office is reaching out to all vulnerable communities who may be targeted. Let us all do the same. We know that when one group of people is attacked, it won’t be long before other groups are then attacked. We need to look out for each other and ensure that we as trade unionists always strive to be anti-racist.