UAF Model Trades Union Motion Against the BNP and EDL
Last Updated on Thursday, 04 February 2010 12:12 Tuesday, 02 February 2010 13:00
unite against fascism
model motion, January 2010
www.uaf.org.uk
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This union notes:
1. That the election last year of two members of the British National Party to the European parliament marks an electoral breakthrough for the fascists and threatens to normalise the presence of the BNP in mainstream politics. The BNP hopes to capitalise on these results during the general and local elections this year.
2. That the BNP is dedicated to an all-white Britain, the destruction of trade unions and the elimination of basic democratic rights. Its politics of hate and division threaten the freedoms and safety of those the party would see annihilated – Jews, black people, trade unionists, Muslims and all ethnic minorities, gays and lesbians, disabled people and anybody who stands for a democratic society.
3. That Nick Griffin, leader of the fascist BNP and a man with a criminal conviction for denying Hitler’s Holocaust, plans to stand as an MP in Barking, while his deputy Simon Darby plans to stand in Stoke-on-Trent. Stoke-on-Trent and Barking & Dagenham councils are also being targeted by the fascists at the local elections.
4. That the English Defence League – a racist anti-Muslim group with links to the fascist BNP – has been mounting a series of "protests" in towns and cities around the country. These protests regularly feature racist chanting and Nazi salutes. They are aimed at whipping up hatred against the Muslim community.
5. That Unite Against Fascism will be coordinating a national campaign in the run-up to the elections urging people to vote against the Nazi BNP, aiming to deliver a knock-out blow to the BNP in the key areas where the fascists are active.
This union believes:
1. That racism divides workers and has no place within the trade union movement.
2. That at a time of deepening recession, the BNP’s policies of hatred and division offer no solution.
3. That the EDL is a racist organisation whose anti-Muslim demonstrations must be opposed.
4. That trades union organisations which have expelled fascists from their membership are to be congratulated.
5. That, as a matter of urgency, we must unite to build the broadest possible opposition to the BNP and EDL.
This union resolves:
1. To affiliate/reaffiliate to Unite Against Fascism
2. To encourage members to attend the UAF annual conference on Saturday 13 February 2010.
3. To call on the union nationally to campaign for the removal of BNP members in public services.
4. To circulate UAF materials and work with other trades unions to provide UAF with resources and support.
Download pdf version of this motion here.