New Zealand terrorist attack

We are horrified by the mass murder of 51 people in Christchurch, New Zealand on the 15th March 2019. Many other men, women and children were also seriously injured in this horrendous attack.

Conference stands in solidarity with the Muslim community and sends our deepest condolences to all those whose lives have been devastated.

We unreservedly condemn this despicable act of far-right terrorism.

The Fire Brigades Union opposes racism, bigotry and xenophobia in all its forms. We make no apology in our condemnation of all who engage in overt racism, fascism, dog-whistle politics and the peddlers of right wing ideology that seeks to fan the flames of hate and division in our society.

These toxic behaviours are often used to radicalise individuals into extremist views, which evidentially has serious consequences for our minority members and communities.

In the light of the horrific attack in New Zealand, Conference remains resolved in calling upon all FBU Members to tackle hate, wherever it raises its ugly head.

Conference therefore demands;

• The FBU re-affirms our commitment to robustly tackle the promulgation of far-right ideology, racism or bigotry wherever it should arise

• The Executive Council sends a message of solidarity to the appropriate organisation in New Zealand

• As role models, all Officials commit to lead by example in championing our equality principles in all we do, by opposing racism and bigotry in all its forms as an example to the Members we represent.