United Not Divided Statement Attracts Support
Our branch is one of the 80 community organisations to have signed the recent open letter to council leadership as part of "a coalition of local anti‑racist, community groups and migrant solidarity organisations concerned about recent developments in our city that threaten the inclusive values we all cherish."
It is also encouraging to see a range of organisations and activists unite to stand up against racism and for unity and social cohesion. This is culminating on Saturday 18 October with a Unity March and Rally, starting at The Level at noon. Our branch will be speaking at and supporting the event and we invite everyone who wants to stand up against division and hate-fuelling misinformation to come along.
We are also pleased to have received a number of endorsements from members, institutions and community organisations for our United not Divided statement which you can view in full on our website. Here's just a few:
“Dear Brighton and Hove UNISON, Just to say thanks and we agree fully with your powerful anti-racist statement and would be happy to add our name to it if you are collecting the names of other organisations Thanks and solidarity” (Brighton and Hove Stand Up to Racism)
“I have circulated this helpful Unity statement to my colleagues and trustees. I have also shared in anti-racist campaigning groups I am involved with. Thank you” (Sussex Interpreting Services)
“Unison Members at BHASVIC have overwhelmingly voted in support of our branch Unity statement condemning far right rhetoric and targeting the most vulnerable members of our society. It is incredibly important to us as a College of Sanctuary since 2023, in a City of Sanctuary, that we support our branch Unison Unity statement. We have a significant number of students from diverse backgrounds, including many disadvantaged, asylum-seekers and refugees and they tell us that they feel safe at our college and we understand their challenging lived experiences. In these divisive times, we feel it is important we stand together as advocates for a tolerant and just society.” (Nikki Fabry and Claire St John Eve, BHASVIC Unison Reps)
“Absolutely 100% behind you on this issue. It is very close to my heart and very refreshing to hear these viewpoints as opposed to the mainstream narratives of our press/media/politicians which are creating divisions in all walks of society. I am with you.” (UNISON member)
“For those in power, it is easier to blame the problems we have on an 'other' e.g. immigrants, people of colour or those on benefit, rather than have people see that they are not willing to do enough about it.” (UNISON member)
“I fully support the unison United not divided campaign and want all in society to feel comfortable and included.” (UNISON member)
“I am full of love for those who are considered economically and politically disadvantaged by the rich and powerful of the UK. We live in frightening times, in a frightening world with much at stake, be strong and if you can be brave.” (UNISON member)
“I fully support the unison United not divided campaign and want all in society to feel comfortable and included.” (UNISON member)
Download the UNITY statement here:
United no Divided, Statement from Brighton & Hove UNISON (PDF with live links)