An Equity motion calling for improved co-ordination of anti-racist action across the trade union movement and with allied organisations was passed unanimously at the TUC Black Workers Conference, 11-13 April 2025. The motion highlighted the increasing attacks by the far right where artists of colour appear on stage, screen or other live performance venues. The motion was formally backed by the teachers union, the NASWUT, and the Musicians Union.
Speaking to the motion Daniel York Loh, Chair of the REC said, “The culture war is upon us with racism perpetrated by right wing politicians, pressure groups and monetising social media manipulators determined to discredit our presence on the UK’s stages and screens.”
Equity also hosted a fringe event during the conference, Censorship in the arts/censorship of Palestinian voices. This event helped to showcase the work of the Race Equality Committee (REC) in challenging the then position of Arts Council England which led to funded bodies cancelling productions linked to the on-going war in Gaza.
Daniel York Loh (Chair of the REC) outlined the continuing focus of the union on instances where artists' freedom of expression may be curtailed and that it will continue to challenge decisions made by theatre and producers. Investigative journalist Faisal Islam provided a detailed insight on the then decision by Manchester venue Home to cancel an event showcasing the work by Gazan writers including Atef Abu Saif.
The fringe event also heard from Raffef Ziadah (Kings College London) who asked those attending to urge their unions to support solidarity efforts to support the call for a ceasefire in Gaza and a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Palestine, and to lend support to the organisation Workers in Palestine.
