by Chris Bartter

he STUC is calling on all trade unions, civic and community groups, political parties, public authorities and the media in Scotland to support and promote the Annual St Andrew's Day March and Rally Against Racism and Fascism, which is taking place in Glasgow on Saturday 27 November.

This March and Rally started out as a counter demonstration to the right wing racists from the BNP, who tried to make St Andrew's Day their own day of action. For many years now, the STUC has assumed responsibility for organising the March.

It has become an important event for all those who wish to eradicate racism in Scotland, attracting cross-party political support and a turnout of thousands of marchers. Combating racist poison spread by the British National Party (BNP) and other extreme right wing groups is everyone's job.

UNISON Scotland has been working with the media and the STUC and local groups to explore the myths of the BNP and the extreme right. An important link has been UNISON's involvement with Show Racism the Red Card - the campaigning group fighting to remove racism from football. The past year has again seen racist and fascist groups attempting to promote their poisonous lies, misinformation and politics of hatred.

Scotland rejects racism On the eve of the European Elections in June, the STUC brought 40 Scottish-based organisations, along with Scotland's six mainstream political parties, to send a clear message that Scotland rejects racism and fascism in our political system. UNISON was proud to play a key part in that campaign and the wider campaign to stop the BNP getting a hold on our political system.

UNISON will continue to produce anti-racist materials for our branches and members. For more information on the STUC's Show Racism the Red Card Event or UNISON's anti-racist campaign, then please contact the Policy and Information Team.

See also www.unison-scotland.org.uk/comms/antiracism.html Please order leaflets and posters (£1.20 for 100 leaflets or 25 posters) by contacting Helen Carson at the STUC, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow - Tel: 0141 337 8100. Prices for bulk supplies can be negotiated.

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