THE recent riots that occurred throughout the country by the far right, seeking to exploit the violent, heart-breaking attack on children and their teacher in Southport was truly shameful. It was also frightening and a wake-up call to all of us. 

Our communities have come under attack through deplorable acts of racist and Islamophobic violence in which we have seen attacks on homes, mosques, Muslim-owned businesses and arson attacks on hotels housing asylum-seekers. 

The fear felt by those surrounded by a braying mob hell-bent on destruction is unimaginable. 

The far right does not represent the values of the majority of people in this country. The counter-demonstrations organised by Stand Up to Racism and supported by trade union members and communities across cities and towns in England gave us all hope. 

But the threat has not gone away. The riots that happened over the summer must provide a watershed moment for change. 

We must recognise the threat that the far right poses to our democracy and the lives of those they target. This needs to be challenged head on. The political landscape in Europe also needs to be a warning to all that without a strong anti-fascist movement the danger the far right poses will only strengthen. 

We must stand in solidarity with our comrades across Europe. The trade union movement needs to step up and be at the forefront of this change. 

Nothing happens in a vacuum. We have had years now of divisive, hateful language and negative, racist stereotypes from some politicians and in sections of the media. 

Their irresponsibility has helped create a climate where the social cohesion of this country is threatened. The far right has been emboldened by the fact that those in the highest office in the land can spout thinly disguised or outright racist rhetoric with no consequences. 

They see sections of the media turn a blind eye or even celebrate their stance. It is not surprising that a recent report by the Runnymede Trust showed that suspensions for the use of racist language in the classroom stood at 11,619 in 2023 — up 25 per cent on the previous 12 months. Disturbingly many were still at primary school. 

The previous government also has much to answer for. Over 14 years the social fabric of our society was ripped apart with the Conservative government’s austerity agenda. Those with the least have lost the most. Prime minister after Tory prime minister cut deeper into benefits and support systems. Local authorities were starved of funding; our schools and colleges likewise. Child poverty figures have soared 4.3 million children were in relative poverty, after housing costs — representing 30 per cent of all children in 2022/23. Two-thirds of parliamentary constituencies have a child poverty rate of 25 per cent or more.

This all has consequences that are exploited by the far right to sow seeds of discontent, not against the politicians that have created the hardship and despair but against those who are the most vulnerable in society. 

Trade unions have a strong and vibrant history of opposing racism and fascism. The NEU stands in the tradition of our member Blair Peach. 

We as a movement need to support rallies, protests and initiatives called by Stand Up to Racism as a non-violent counter to the hatred. We need to stand up and oppose political parties and individuals who spread the politics of division and racism. 

Divisive, hateful language and negative, racist stereotypes have a real and immediate impact on all of us in society. They have an impact in our classrooms and on the wellbeing of students and educators. 

This threatens the possibility of progress toward greater race equality in education, employment or wider society. The current curriculum review must respond to these urgent social issues and investigate how to build an anti-racist curriculum that boosts engagement, self-esteem and a sense of belonging for every child.

Our members who believe in the power of education will take the lead in challenging racism, Islamophobia and anti-semitism and in challenging harmful prejudices and stereotyping about migrant families. 

We value the many positive aspects that migration and immigrants bring to our union, our movement and our country as well as the benefits for all of us in living in a society that is welcoming and inclusive.

Our children have the right to grow up without fear. We must stand together across our movement and our communities to stand up for human rights, social justice and using education to counter racism.  

Daniel Kebede is general secretary of the National Education Union.