The infiltration of extreme right-wing ideologies into various sectors such as hospitals, schools, and prisons is a concerning trend observed by the new TUC President. Steve Gillan has pledged to combat the surge of hateful sentiments propagated by these groups. Representing over 5.5 million workers, the Trades Union Congress is poised to take a leading role in this battle in 2026, emphasizing the need for government action to tackle the underlying issues.
In an interview with the Mirror, Gillan highlighted the increasing influence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, external interference, and far-right figures on social media platforms. He expressed alarm over the shift towards far-right inclinations among workers, citing survey results revealing significant support for Reform within certain trade unions.
The escalation of far-right presence in workplaces is deemed highly perilous by Gillan, who stressed the pivotal moment faced by society to either confront this trend or succumb to it. He acknowledged the impact of right-wing influencers in swaying individuals, pointing to instances like Tommy Robinson’s London demonstration that drew a substantial crowd.
Drawing parallels to historical events, Gillan cautioned against the dangers of allowing extremist ideologies to thrive, likening the current scenario to the rise of Nazism. He emphasized the importance of countering misinformation and hatred, advocating for a comprehensive approach that addresses economic disparities, societal grievances, and the manipulation of narratives by far-right factions.
While acknowledging some positive resistance from communities, Gillan reiterated his commitment to using his position to combat the far-right movement. Emphasizing the detrimental effects on communities and workers, he called for collective efforts to safeguard societal harmony and reject divisive ideologies.