National Stand Up To Racism Demonstration - Report

As a union, we are proud to take part in the wider life of our communities. We recognise that no child is brought up in a vacuum, and the behaviour, attitudes and material circumstances of a child's life have far more impact than even the best teacher can have.

So in a climate where child poverty is increasing because of decisions made by governments, and anti-migrant and Islamophobic feeling is being inflamed by sections of the media as well as organisations like Ofsted; and across Europe racist populist and fascist groups are growing in power and influence, we need to be especially aware that all our communities need respect and solidarity.

The National Education Union, both locally and nationally, is proud to work with Stand Up To Racism, a national campaign that aims to both celebrate our diversity and highlight the racism that many still face in the UK.

Every year, Stand Up To Racism organises a march and demonstration to mark the UN's Anti-Racism Day. Since it began a few years ago, it has become a focus for international solidarity and similar marches and demonstrations were held across Europe - including this year one organised by the Roma Council of Hungary. Anyone aware of the large fascist party Jobbik in Hungary will understand the bravery of calling such a demonstration. It was great that the NUT Section's General Secretary, Kevin Courtney was the first speaker at the rally outside Downing Street at the end of the march, alongside other speakers such as Diane Abbot and Sally Hunt, General Secretary

of the UCU whose inspirational action to defend pensions is an example to us all.

This year's march and demonstration took place in the snow, but thousands of us still took to the streets and kept ourselves warm with a march from the BBC to Downing Street, and a lot of noise!