See speech from Ruth Hayes, Unite Executive Council member and Islington Labour councillor
Firstly – thank you for inviting me to speak. It is so heartening to see so many people here today.
My name is Ruth Hayes and I am a Labour Councillor in Islington, as well as a Trade Union activist.
It’s fantastic that there’s been such a strong turnout from Islington: not only in terms of speakers but the groups who’ve mobilised in a show of unity for this important demonstration.
I see every day the appalling impact of Tory austerity on our communities – women who can’t leave abusive relationships because there is no suitable housing for them and their children, overcrowded families, people who face a constant struggle to make ends meet, people working three jobs who are constantly exhausted.
We also see public services on their knees, with local Councils essentially becoming insolvent because there is inadequate funding, and community organisations cutting vital services because they don’t have enough resources.
The reasons that everything seems broken are not found within our communities, but in political choices. The solutions come in working together to say enough is enough, and to demand better.
My great grandparents came to London in search of a better life, like many thousands before and after them. I am so proud to represent a diverse community and to work alongside people from many different backgrounds.
I know that there are millions of us who will not allow the likes of Tommy Robinson in the streets or Reform and co in Parliament to attack our colleagues, friends and neighbours; these are our people, and we will take a stand for what is right. Across the county, there are so many groups of us working together to oppose racism and to bring our communities together – in faith groups, in trade unions, in local campaigns and more.
Solidarity – together we are stronger, and we will win!
