HXR statement in solidarity with those affected by recent riots
The intimidation and violence inflamed by far-right groups and widespread racist rhetoric over the last week has been both shocking and upsetting.
Health for Extinction Rebellion members, as health workers working in diverse specialties across the UK, would like to express solidarity with all those affected, both directly and indirectly by the hateful and racist acts committed by this minority of the UK population.
As health workers we are especially mindful that several of our international colleagues and British colleagues of colour have been directly attacked during the violence, and that many more have been made to feel threatened and insecure. These appalling acts are completely unacceptable and represent deeply shameful behaviour and we would like to express our deep sorrow at any distress this will have caused our colleagues. Please know you are welcome and appreciated as an integral part of this country and the NHS.
In the short term the violence has resulted in a disruption to clinical services, as several clinics have required rescheduling due to patient and staff safety concerns, while in the longer term, there is a real risk that valued international colleagues will suffer ongoing fear and persecution, and potentially choose to leave the UK, and the NHS, that so depend on them.
As climate activists, we further acknowledge the significant migratory pressures caused by the climate and ecological crisis, and the intersecting injustice felt by many populations who are not only forced from their homes due to the impacts of climate change, but who are also then subjected to racist and unjust treatment when seeking safety in those countries most responsible, like the UK.
We call on all health workers to reject the hateful and divisive rhetoric of those taking violence and racism to our streets over the last week, as well as the inflammatory language and policies being espoused by both far right influencers and members of our media and political class. The community solidarity, support and protection provided by counter demonstrations held on Wednesday 7th August, are a reminder of the role each of us can have in ensuring a safe and compassionate society and workplace. Please consider taking some or all of the following positive actions:
- Reach out to colleagues/friends/neighbours who have, or may have been affected by the riots,
- Reject a narrative of hate and division at work, online, and in your community,
- Support and/or join counter riot and anti-racist protests,
- Appreciate and respect all your colleagues for their contribution to our health service,
- Join Health for XR in campaigning for a justice and public health based response to the climate and ecological crisis.
In closing, Health for Extinction Rebellion would like to comment on the statement released by the Health Secretary Wes Streeting to the crisis. We absolutely agree and support his assertion that racist and violent behaviour has no place in the NHS and that staff should not be expected to tolerate abuse or concerns regarding their safety. In addition, we welcome his recognition and accolade of the vital role played by international health workers within our health service. However, we would like to express concern that his comments could be interpreted as suggesting that rioters should have no entitlement to care from the NHS.
Clearly, to deprive anyone of the care they need is fundamentally at odds with the tenets of the NHS and the duties of a health professional.
Moreover, although the prosecution and appropriate sentencing of those involved is clearly important, a focus on individual sanctions, at the expense of seeking to understand and address the social, political, environmental and cultural determinants of this behaviour, does a disservice both to those affected, and to society at large.