Chelmsford TUC
Equal Opportunities
Chelmsford Statement Against Racism and Fascism
In January 2007 Chelmsford TUC called a meeting of all the political parties in the town to agree a strategy against those who promote racism and fascism.
It proved to be a success and arising from the discussions a statement, declaring their opposition to rascism and fascism was agreed. This was sent to various prominent individuals, leaders of faith, trade and student unions and businesses.
Our Chairman, Andrew Coburn, stated : “We are pleased that so many people and organisations from across the community have come out in support of this initiative. We hope that others will be able to sign it and, if necessary, help us to combat the evil that is racism.”
WE DECLARE OUR OPPOSITION TO RACISM AND FASCISM
We, the people of Chelmsford, are totally opposed to all those who seek to promote racism in our society. We strongly believe that the lessons of history show that racism and fascism, if unchallenged, will provoke fear and intimidation among many within our Borough. We believe that diversity is a strength and a cause for celebration, and that those who promote racism divide our community.
All signatories to this statement have a shared belief in justice, fairness and equality. We oppose racism wherever it takes place.
We declare our willingness to co-operate with political parties, faith groups and others that take a stand against those that promote racist and fascist political views.
Agreed by :
POLITICAL :
Alliance for Green Socialism,
Co-operative Party,
Chelmsford Borough Council,
Chelmsford Conservatives,
Green Party,
John Whittingdale OBE MP,
Labour Party,
Liberal Democrats,
UK Independence Party,
Respect,
Simon Burns MP,
Socialist Workers’ Party.
LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS :
Amnesty International Chelmsford Group,
Soroptimist International of Chelmsford,
United Nations Association.
FAITH :
Chelmsford Jamia Masjid (Mosque),
Chelmsford YMCA,
Father Ivor Morris Church of the Ascension,
Jennifer A. Hodgkin, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers),
Major Michael Highton, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, London North-East Division,
Rt. Revd. John Gladwin, Bishop of Chelmsford,
Rev. Dr. Paul Beasley-Murray, Senior Minister, Central Baptist Church,
Rev. Elizabeth Caswell, Moderator of the Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church,
Rev. John Alan Cox, Christ Church URC,
Rev. Anne Brown Chair of Essex, Beds, & Herts Methodist District,
Rev. Sheila Martin, Regional Minister, Eastern Baptist Association,
The Essex Churches Council for Industry and Commerce,
Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood Diocese.
EMPLOYERS AND UNIONS :
Frankie Whiffen, President Anglia Ruskin University Student Union,
Chelmsford TUC,
Communication Workers’ Union (Essex Amal),
National Association of Schoolmasters and Women Teachers (Essex Federation),
Royal College of Nursing (Essex),
Thompsons Solicitors,
Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (Anglia 1 & 2 branches),
Unison (Mid Essex Hospitals, Chelmsford Borough Council & Essex County branches).
If you would like to add your Chelmsford organisation to the above, please contact us through the Secretary.
For anti-racist links and information on the Race Relations Act please go to Trade Unionists Say No To Racism.
