Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
There can be no turning back on anti-racist principles
We must defend the fair and reasonable policies on migration Labour has stood for in recent years, writes DIANE ABBOTT MP
Anti-racism campaigners attend a vigil outside the Home Office in Westminster, London, for the 39 people found dead inside a lorry in Essex, in October 2019

THE devastating coronavirus crisis here in Britain and across Europe has sparked increasing examples of racism and xenophobia towards Chinese and other Asian communities. Sadly this has included violent attacks on our streets.

On the international stage, this is mirrored by a refusal to learn from China, Vietnam and other Asian countries in terms of their approach to helping contain the virus and most obviously by President Trump’s stubborn insistence on referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” in press conferences that are televised all around the world.

The left and labour movement need to be absolutely clear that the global far-right’s increasing use of anti-Chinese and anti-migrant rhetoric is a classic case of divide and rule, aimed at turning workers against each other.

1) Refugees welcome here

2) No breaking promises to the Windrush generation and the “EU 3 Million”

3) Treating migrant workers fairly

4) Recognising the great contribution migrants make

5) No demonisation of migrants, or anyone on grounds of nationality or skin colour or religion

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood speaking after Lucy Powell is announced as the new Deputy Leader of the Labour Party at an event in central London. Picture date: Saturday October 25, 2025
Human Rights / 29 November 2025
29 November 2025

DIANE ABBOTT warns that Shabana Mahmood’s draconian asylum proposals fuel racist scapegoating and risk demoralising Labour’s base – potentially paving the way for Farage to No 10

CALL TO ARMS: (L to R) STUC poster; St Andrew's Day March and Rally in Glasgow on November 25 2023
Anti-Racism / 29 November 2025
29 November 2025

ROZ FOYER explains the significance and tradition of today’s St Andrew’s Day March and Rally

People during a Stand Up To Racism protest near the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf, London where asylum seekers are planned to be housed, July 25, 2025
Features / 9 August 2025
9 August 2025

DIANE ABBOTT explodes the anti-migrant myths perpetrated by cynical politicians and an irresponsible mass media

PUBLIC SNUB: People protesters outside the Reform UK Wiltshi
Features / 15 March 2025
15 March 2025
As anti-immigration rhetoric gains mainstream acceptance, trade unions must unite workers across backgrounds while challenging the false narrative that blames migrants for economic hardship, argues TONY CONWAY