Campaigners unite to combat fascism

Attended by over 300 anti-fascists, the conference TUC Congress House was split up into interactive workshops discussing the role of trade unions, music and sport in defeating the BNP threat.

Co-sponsor of the event Sertuc president Martin Gould evoked the proud history of resisting fascism stretching back to the 1930s.

"It was the trade unions and the Communist Party at Cable Street in 1936 which fought fascism," he said.

"At Grunwick and Lewisham in 1977, trade unions set the agenda and we set it again now

"Let those victories be our inspiration."

Communication Workers Union general secretary and UAF treasurer Billy Hayes explained how his union had battled to insert a "conscience clause" into postal workers' contracts, to enable them to not deliver "fascist filth" through the letterbox.

Referring to BNP leader Nick Griffin as the "Hannibal Lecter of British politics," Mr Hayes criticised the BBC for allowing fascists to appear on Question Time.

"It made him appear a victim of the liberal majority," said Mr Hayes. He praised UAF for "aligning different social forces" to fight the fascists.

Referring to the film Schindler's List, Mr Hayes added: "Nazi Germany did not start with gas chambers. It starts with not opposing racism and allowing Griffin on Question Time."

Teaching unions and civil servants have both spearheaded drives to take a tough line on BNP activity by union members.

NUT general secretary Christine Blower called on the entire labour movement to "pull in the same direction" against the rise of the BNP, pointing out that fascism was not the answer to social problems of poor housing and poverty.

And Nasuwt assistant general secretary Jerry Bartlett defended the no-platform policy, saying that he didn't understand why union members read "soft-porn comics" like the Sun.

"Why don't they read the Morning Star, which campaigns daily on behalf of working people?" he asked.