Napo’s General Secretary, Ian Lawrence, is set to take the stage at this year’s Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) Trade Union Conference, a vital event in the fight against the far right.
Taking place on Saturday 1 March 2025, the conference will be held at the Wesley Euston Hotel in London, with an option to participate online.
With the alarming rise of the far right, fuelled by figures such as Trump, Musk, and Farage, this year’s conference is more urgent than ever. Supported by the TUC, the event brings together trade unionists, activists, and experts to strategise and organise against racism, division, and the threat of fascism.
A Line-Up of Influential Speakers
Joining Ian Lawrence on the panel are key trade union leaders and campaigners, including:
- Daniel Kebede (NEU General Secretary)
- Taj Ali (Journalist & Historian)
- Kudsia Batool (TUC Head of Equalities)
- Patrick Roach (TUC Anti-Racist Taskforce Chair & NASUWT General Secretary)
- Fran Heathcote (PCS General Secretary)
- Mick Whelan (ASLEF General Secretary)
- Maryam Eslamdoust (TSSA General Secretary)
- Siobhan Endean (Unite Director of Equalities)
- Steve Smith (Care4Calais CEO)
…and many more voices at the forefront of the anti-racist movement.
What’s on the Agenda?
The six-hour conference will feature a series of plenaries and workshops designed to equip trade unionists with the tools to challenge racism in their workplaces and communities.
Key sessions include:
Opening Plenary (12 – 12:45pm) – What can we do in our unions to take on the threat of Reform UK?
Workshops Round One (1 – 2:15pm)
- The Changing Face of Fascism: What Role for Unions?
- Implementing the TUC Anti-Racism Taskforce: Challenging Institutional Racism
Workshops Round Two (2:30 – 3:45pm)
- Refugees Welcome: Busting Scapegoating Myths
- The Asian Fightback in Britain
- Stopping the Far Right: Organising Online & in the Workplace
Closing Plenary (3:45 – 4:30pm) – The International Fight Against Racism & Fascism
Why This Matters for Trade Unionists
Trade unions represent the largest collective force of working-class people, with the power to fight back against division and build solidarity. This conference is an opportunity to ensure anti-racism remains central to every workplace and trade union, to challenge the far right and promote unity.
As part of a wider movement, trade unions will also be supporting UN Anti-Racism Day on 22 March, with rallies, gigs, and protests across Britain as part of the global World Against Racism & Fascism week of action.
Be there – In Person or Online
Date: Saturday 1 March 2025
Location: The Wesley, 81-103 Euston Street, London NW1 2EZ
Hybrid Option Available
This is more than just a conference – it’s a call to action. Join us to ensure trade unions continue to be a leading force in the fight against racism and fascism.
For more details and to register, visit the event page.
