After Falkirk – trade unions must lead in the fight against racism

Socialist Party Scotland

The largest anti-asylum protest in Scotland so far took place in Falkirk on Saturday 16 August. At its height there were around 800 who were mobilised.

While there was a large turnout from the local community, racist and far right activists, including some neo-fascist groups from across Scotland, were also present. Falkirk is just the latest in a number of similar protests at accommodation housing asylum seekers and refugees in parts of Scotland and Britain in recent weeks. 

A key factor for the numbers at the anti-asylum protest in Falkirk was the conviction and jailing of an asylum seeker from Afghanistan in June for the shocking rape of a 15-year-old girl from Falkirk. 

In response to the announcement that a protest would take place, local trade union activists and the Falkirk Trades Council organised a counter-protest against racism and to protect the hotel from attack. While being clear that they condemned the brutal sexual assault and all gender-based violence, they also argued that the actions of one do not represent the actions of all. 

On the day itself a small number of trade unionists, including Socialist Party Scotland members, arrived at 9.30am to occupy the area directly in front of the hotel. This action undoubtedly prevented the anti-asylum protest from gathering there as they had almost certainly planned to do.

For the the next six hours, and as the anti-racists numbers grew to 200 or so, and despite being outnumbered by 4 to 1, the anti-racists held the ground and prevented any direct attacks on the hotel itself. 

Nevertheless, the numbers mobilised on this protest that turned into one of an overt racist character are a concern.There were clearly fascist elements among the crowd, including banners declaring “kill them all”. Unlike the hundreds arrested for declaring solidarity with Palestine Action in recent weeks, there was no attempt by Police Scotland to even remove those flags far less arrest those who were holding them. 

Known members of Patriotic Alternative, Britain First and Homeland. were present. There was a local ex-Tory councillor – now Reform UK – who also spoke at the event. At the same time these elements were not a majority, many locals came down to show general support for the event that was called ‘Save Our Future and Our Kids Future’, who are a local ‘community group’, stayed for an hour or so but then left.

What Falkirk shows so clearly is the need to build a working class, trade union-led anti-racist campaign that can answer the lies of the far-right and racists and their attempts to divide the working class. This includes directly taking up demands that can appeal to those rightly angry at the political establishment and massive underinvestment in housing and public services. 

We should also expose the likes of Mears, a private company, that has made billions since being awarded contracts to house asylum seekers in hotels in areas like Falkirk. It’s CEO took home £670,000 last year. Labour also ban asylum seekers from working legally. 

These are the issues that underpin so much of the anger that exists at these protests and are exploited by the racist right but that often goes ignored. Added to that for Falkirk and the surrounding area is the economic vandalism threatening hundreds of jobs at Alexander Dennis and the damage done following the job cuts at Grangemouth.

Role of trade unions 

And it is the trade unions, starting at local level, that have the authority to carry out this vital work. That’s why we would support and call for an urgent meeting of local trade unions to discuss the building of such a campaign, including organising further protests.

These have to be done with the trade unions leading in planning them, mobilising members, as well as having a democratic say over the slogans used and stewarding of the events. 

At the same time, answering the lies of the racists requires a political alternative to represent the working class to be built. And again, that needs trade unionists and trade unions to help lead and shape that process. That debate around the need for a new party for the working class is already well underway in the trade unions. 

Let’s build a united working-class movement that says we condemn all acts of racism and threats against asylum seekers and refugees, and we stand in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment and violence.

Savage austerity, now continued by Starmer in government and the SNP at Holyrood, coupled with decades of low pay, poverty and a housing crisis, has created the basis for despair and division in our communities which dangerous racist far-right groups aim to exploit, aided by the appalling anti-migrant rhetoric of all the main parties including Starmer’s Labour. 

We say:

• Oppose all racism and division; defend the right to asylum; workers’ unity against attacks on asylum seekers and refugees
• End all council and NHS cuts. Demand full funding from the government for all our communities’ needs
• Jobs, homes and services for all
• For a massive programme of council house building; cap rents
• Oppose all sexual harassment and violence. Restore funding for women’s services that have been slashed over the years; invest in measures to keep our streets safe