Healthcare is at risk of being undermined as doctors and other healthcare staff face ‘a sustained campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric’ the BMA has warned.
The association has joined seven other trade unions in demanding an end to the ‘escalating use of hostile language’ against people from overseas living in the UK, in a joint statement published today.
The statement, which has been backed by organisations including the Royal College of Nursing, the Society of Radiographers along with Unison, Unite and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association, calls on politicians and the media to end the spread of misinformation which is resulting in the ‘blatant scapegoating of migrant communities’.
It says: ‘Our health and social care sector is built on the hard work and rich diversity of its workforce. Many of our colleagues, especially those from international backgrounds or perceived as ethnically distinct from the majority population, are facing a sustained campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric.
‘The escalating use of hostile language allows some political parties to exploit fear and promote division and emboldens those in society who seek to intimidate.
‘This rhetoric also comes at a time when the rights of those who live and work in the UK to continue to make the UK their home are being openly questioned, including tens of thousands of people working within the health and social care sector. People are unsettled and frightened, with some directly experiencing hate and violence at work and within their communities.’
Stand united
The statement adds: ‘In the face of this blatant scapegoating of migrant communities, we stand united in our commitment to uphold the values of dignity, respect and equality for all individuals.
‘As leading trade unions and professional associations within the UK, representing workers within the health and social care sector, we reject any form of discrimination and oppose all forms of racism and xenophobia.’
The publication of the unprecedented joint statement comes at a time of escalating hostile rhetoric towards migrants in the UK which has seen growing tension and acts of violence taking place.
These include race riots which took place across the country in 2024, and the so-called ‘unite the kingdom’ rally orchestrated by the far-right in September this year.
Alongside public protests and demonstrations, legal rights afforded to migrants have come under fire in parts of the political system, including pledges to end longstanding statuses such as indefinite leave to remain.
Meanwhile a terror attack targeting a Manchester synagogue on 2 October this year left two people dead.
Inclusion and understanding
Signed by BMA deputy chair of council Emma Runswick, the statement also reaffirms the BMA’s support and solidarity for the NHS’ international workforce and calls for the promotion of policies that foster inclusion, empathy and understanding towards all immigrants that have chosen to make the UK their home.
It says: ‘The health and care sector in the UK has always been reliant on the commitment and expertise of its international workforce. Figures from NHS England and Skills for Care show that in England, 776,000 workers – around a quarter of the total workforce of just over three million – are non-British nationals.
RUNSWICK: Signed on behalf of the BMA
‘We affirm our solidarity with the international workforce and migrant communities, recognising their essential past and continued contribution to the NHS and wider society.’
As a trade union and professional association, the BMA provides a wide range of services and support to international medical graduate doctors who have or are looking to relocate to the UK.
These include advice on immigration and visa applications, guidance on registering as a doctor in the UK and access to free webinars and learning through the BMJ.
Find out more about the services offered by the BMA or read today’s statement in full.
The full list of signatories to the statement:
– The BMA
– The Royal College of Nursing
– The British Dental Association
– The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
– Unite
– Unison
– The Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association
– The Society of Radiographers