Informed NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE issue 27 April 2019


Press become target of the far-right


tension and violence. Tey should not be facing threats or intimidatory tactics because they are doing their jobs.” Te number of incidents where the


press and broadcast journalists have been targeted by far-right groups has been on the increase, including Channel 4’s team who were set upon by pro-Brexit supporters outside Downing Street. Hayley Barlow, head of communications, tweeted: “Relieved to report that our Channel 4 News crew were unharmed tonight, and while their safety remains our priority, they will not be intimidated or deterred from doing their jobs.” Te union has since discussed the challenges created by far-right demonstrators with the Metropolitan Police.


Anti-fascists at the counter-demonstration at Salford’s Media City


Te NUJ has taken a hard stance against atacks on the press by far-right groups, including a demonstration at BBC’s offices in Salford, and the harassment of journalists and photographers by extremists. An estimated 4,000 supporters of the


former English Defence League leader and Ukip adviser, Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, protested outside the BBC’s offices in Salford because Panorama was carrying out an investigation into him. Speakers called the BBC the enemy of the people and told their supporters to cancel their TV licences. Opponents staged a counter-demonstration. Te NUJ put out a statement


Also in this issue:


Michelle’s Message Page 2


condemning the action by the far-right thugs saying: “BBC staff should be free to do their jobs without these threats. Intimidation and violence carried out by far-right protesters systematically targeting the media, especially photojournalists, are becoming more frequent and we will always call out this behaviour and report criminal activity to the police.”


Te union instigated a leter of support


for journalist Mike Stuchber who was harassed outside his home by Robinson aſter contributing to the funding of a legal case against him. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general


secretary, said: “Journalists have a duty to scrutinise the claims and activities of those who foment Islamophobia, racial


Media Literacy Page 8


Te NUJ had to force an employer in the West Midlands to support a member aſter they were the target of right-wing extremists. Tree members who have received death threats relating to their work, including a journalist working in Belfast, have been backed by the NUJ’s legal office. Similar threats to journalists


were recognised by the European Parliament last month when it voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution criticising Iran’s treatment of human rights defenders and journalists. It said: “Te Iranian authorities have systematically targeted journalists, including those working for the BBC Persian service and their families, through the use of criminal investigations, asset freezes, arbitrary arrest, detention, surveillance, harassment, and by spreading false, malicious, and defamatory publicity.” It called on the Iranian authorities to stop their persecution of journalists and their families. Please report any press atacks by the far right to campaigns@nuj.org.uk


Cairncross Review Page 10


Guy Smallman


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