Wednesday 19 Feb 2020
Anti-racists have condemned the Government’s announcement of a points based immigration system the Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott branded has branded as ‘dog whistle’ racism.
The announcement was welcomed by many on the far-right, with former UKIP General secretary Paul Oakley tweeting: “This is great! Priti Patel and the Conservatives have just adopted UKIP’s longstanding policies on #immigration.”
Attempts to target ‘unskilled workers’ and those who can’t speak English in the new immigration bill are seen as part of a growing racist offensive by Boris Johnson’s government. Home Secretary Priti Patel was forced to admit that her own parents would not have qualified for entry to the UK under the new proposed rules.
The last week has seen the scandal over eugenicist government adviser Sabisky alongside two Tory MP’s with far right links going unpunished. The government has also been strengthening its links with the Islamophobic and antisemitic Hungarian regime led by Victor Orban.
This follows on from the forced deportations of British nationals to Jamaica, a move widely condemned by MP and the refusal to take unaccompanied child refugees into Britain.
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co-Convenor said: “This is a major new step in this government’s racist offensive which has already deported dozens of people who grew up in Britain. It is an attack on the diversity which has been crucial to our society for generations, and to the functioning of key services like the NHS.
“These policies embolden those seeking to divide our communities and attack our diversity. It’s vital that all anti-racists stand together against this legislation and the racism it emboldens. Join us on 21st March for the UN Anti-Racism Day marches in London & Glasgow “
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism Co-Convenor said:
“Every community seems to be under attack by this Government: Citizens being deported or stripped of their nationality from Shemima Begum to the Jamaica 50, EU Nationals denied their basic rights, a moral panic towards Chinese people, eugenicists invited to the heart of government with the theories that supported the Holocaust, and now major new immigration policies which embolden racists.
“This is clear case of divide and rule. We have to march together or we will fall together – if not now, then when? Let’s halt this tide of racism – join us on the 21st March.”
ENDS
- Details of 21st March UN Anti-Racism Day event in London here
- Stand Up To Racism is a national campaign group opposing racism and the far right supported by faith groups, trade unions and progressive politicians with local groups in dozens of areas across the country.
For further quotes and information, email info@standuptoracism.org.uk