We know that the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ anti-migrant (festival of free speech) march across London on Saturday will have unsettled and frightened many people, especially those who are international medical graduates or from an ethnic minority background.

Although we recognise the importance of free speech and accept that people may have legitimate concerns around immigration, as a trade union and professional association, we oppose all forms of racism and xenophobia.

In the UK the healthcare sector has always relied on international recruits. Currently the medical workforce is more ethnically and internationally diverse than ever before, contributing a wide range of expertise and knowledge to medical practice, which can lead to improved patient outcomes. Our NHS would not survive without the expertise and commitment of our international medical graduate workforce. These valued doctors and the wider international workforce must be allowed to care for patients without the threat of racism looming over them.

The Government, following the anti-migrant march, stated that 'we will not stand for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin'. However, we cannot ignore that an environment of anti-migrant sentiment has been fuelled by irresponsible politicians of all parties amplifying messages that divide rather than unite society. In this environment misinformation can be dangerous, and we need to see a toning down of anti-migrant rhetoric and more engagement in evidence-based discourse around immigration.

We recently called for the permanent reinstatement of the right to work for asylum seeker doctors and ongoing awareness raising about the impact of racial discrimination in the medical profession. We will continue to push for fair and equitable treatment of all doctors.

Dealing with racism at work

Healthcare workers and students should not have to tolerate hate, racism and xenophobia at work, in placements or in their studies. If you are subjected to racism, or witness it, you should be able to formally raise the issue if you feel safe to do so. It is important that you prioritise your safety and your colleagues in consultations. 

We know it can be difficult to raise concerns. You can contact the BMA for wellbeing and general support if you need it, and we’ve published guidance for managing discrimination from patients which you may find helpful. It contains clear steps to take when incidents of racist abuse against healthcare staff occur. Share these posters to stand up to racism in your training and work environments.