Organising against the far right and seeking institutional support
UCU members have a key part in challenging the rise of the far right, following mass demonstrations across the UK and Scotland by racists and anti-immigration protesters. Together with feminist, refugee and community organisations, students and the wider trade union movement, we have been active in classrooms, meetings, at protests, and elsewhere to continue defending the rights of migrants and racially minoritised communities.
We encourage all members to participate in UCU Scotland’s upcoming event “Organising against the far right” on Monday 13 October 6-7pm, online. You will hear from UCU and student reps, antiracist activists, and community organisers, sharing ideas and actions for you to take in your own branch and community. More information including on how to reserve a space here: https://ucuscotland.wordpress.com/2025/10/08/organising-against-the-far-right-ucu-scotland-event-13-oct-online/
UCU Edinburgh branch committee also recently signed the below letter together with the University staff and equality networks:
'In light of the recent far-right demonstrations across the U.K., we express our unwavering solidarity with all migrants and racial minorities who have been subjected to racism, intimidation, and hatred. What has been happening is upsetting and wrong. What we are witnessing is not a fringe phenomenon but the mainstreaming of far-right ideologies with dangerous and tangible effects.
These demonstrations have caused anger, fear, and sadness. It is painful to see voices of hate getting attention when what we need more than ever is acceptance, celebration, and inclusion. To everyone affected — please know that you are valued, respected, and not alone. So many people across our communities stand beside you and want to make things better.
As various networks at the University of Edinburgh, we firmly reject the normalisation of exclusionary politics, anti-immigration politics, and hate discourses. We are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and intellectually vibrant environment for all. Racism, whether explicit or implicit, has no place in our Edinburgh community.
We believe that our University has an obligation to work towards anti-racism and create a just environment for the marginalised, particularly given its historical ties to slavery and colonisation as demonstrated in the recent Race Review. Therefore, we are also writing to let you know that we have called upon our institution to speak out against racism and to take concrete actions towards inclusion and justice. We will keep you updated as soon as we hear from the University leadership team.
With solidarity and hope,
Womxn of Colour Collective
Staff BAME Network
Edinburgh Race Equality Network
Staff Pride Network
UCUE Branch Committee'
If you want to connect with other members in the branch to defend and support migrant and racially minoritised members, please contact your local Migrant reps or BAME Rep (details here: https://www.ucuedinburgh.org.uk/officers-and-committee).
