Union leader to call for alternative to 'monochrome fortress Britain' offered by Ukip

Speaking at the TUC demonstration the general secretary of the UCU Sally Hunt will say it is time to end the 'fear and narrow nationalism that has led to the rise of Ukip and its monochrome vision of a fortress Britain.'
 
She will say the rise of Ukip is not just a challenge for politicians, but one for trade unions too. Speaking at the Britain Needs A Pay Rise rally in Hyde Park, Sally Hunt will say:
 
'I am here today because I believe that Britain needs more than just a pay rise, we need real change. We all know that insecurity breeds a climate of fear and isolation. The rise of Ukip is not just a challenge to the politicians, it is a challenge to trade unions too.
 
'Although he masquerades as the workers' friend, Farage's agenda is really about taking us back not forwards. Ukip may seem like a joke but remember this: those who want to turn back the clock on immigration want to turn back the clock on women's rights and turn back the clock on workers' rights.
 
'But what I want, and what my members want is real change in the way this country works. We want an end to job insecurity for the in-work. We want an end to the stigmatisation of the out of work. And we want an end to the fear and narrow nationalism that has led to the rise of UKIP and its monochrome vision of a fortress Britain.'
 
Sally Hunt's speech coincides with the release by UCU of a new booklet that details the important impact immigration has on Britain. 'Why immigration is good for us' can be downloaded here [1mb].
 
UCU members from across the country will be taking part in the national demonstration in London and assembling in zone 11. They will be marching alongside the students. Sally Hunt is speaking at the rally in Hyde Park after the march.
 
There are events also taking place in Glasgow and Belfast.