The Branch Committee of University of Nottingham UCU is extremely disturbed and concerned at the far-right rally called in central London on 16th May by Tommy Robinson, even more so as the last rally of this type attracted between 100,000 and 150,000. Far-right mobilisation has increased across the United Kingdom over the past two years, including in Nottingham. Recently a coalition of grass-roots organisations managed to force the far-right out of Nottingham city centre on Sunday 26th April. However, the far-right are mobilising in Market Square under the banner of Flagmen of Derby, this Sunday 10th May from 11am.
We note that a group of rank-and-file trade unionists organised under the banner of Trade Unions Fighting the Far Right network (TUFF), have called for a mobilisation against Tommy Robinson on the 16th of May. We believe that the far-right cannot be allowed to march through London, or any city unopposed.
Therefore, we back the TUFF call for a trade union counter presence to Tommy Robinson, and encourage members to attend, and we hope to send members of our branch committee. If members do plan to attend, please contact the branch so that we can coordinate.