NATECLA Stands Against Racist Attacks on ESOL Provision

NATECLA Scotland has added its support to an open letter in response to the recent targeting of ESOL classes by far-right protesters in various parts of Scotland. The letter was developed by Stand Up to Racism Scotland, and is also supported by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), NASUWT Scotland, UCU Scotland, STUC Black Workers' Committee, STUC Women's Committee and Educators for Peace.

NATECLA as a whole condemns the false and blatantly racist claims about ESOL learners that are being used to whip up fears about community-based provision and ESOL classes being offered to parents of school children. It's part of a worrying trend of those determined to scapegoat and spread hatred about refugees, migrants and people of colour feeling increasingly emboldened.

We'd urge political leaders throughout these islands to condemn this action, as well as reflecting on how their words and actions might be giving succour to those responsible for spreading hate-fuelled misinformation.

Stand Up to Racism Scotland is also organising an online public meeting on Monday 8 December, at which NATECLA Scotland Co-Chair Gosia Lundie will be speaking - see Education For All: We will not be divided Tickets, Mon, Dec 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite