By Jomel Anthony Gutierrez and Liezel Longboan
Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the recent attack against two Filipino nurses as they travelled to work for emergency cover in Sunderland.
The nurses were on their way to a hospital for emergency shifts on Friday when they found themselves caught in the midst of chaos as far-right rioters set fire a police station sparked by the Southport stabbing.
“I was appalled by reports of violence directed directed towards Filipino nurses in Sunderland – these were nurses going into work to provide emergency care and their attackers bring shame on our flag and shame on our country,” Mr Streeting told the PA News Agency.
According to The Mirror, the taxi the nurses were travelling in was thrown rocks and they were left terrified. They managed to get through bu they were shaken by the incident. The two nurses involved have yet to speak up.
In response to the incident, the health secretary said people who are racist or abusive to health and social care staff could be turned away. The Royal College of Nursing updated its guidance, citing discriminatory behaviour, including racism” as an additional reason for nurses to decline to give care.
“I will not tolerate, under any circumstances, NHS or social care staff in any health or care setting being subjected to intimidation, harassment or racist abuse,” Mr Streeting said.
Earlier, Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a statement condemning the “far-right thuggery” that gripped parts of the UK over the weekend. Many rioters have been charged and three have been convicted for the Southport and Liverpool riots.
Filipino nurses and healthcare workers have been sharing the news about the incident on Facebook groups and many have expressed concerns about their safety and wellbeing.
“Even though I’m now British, I’m afraid of what has been going on cos they still see us as outcast because of the colour of our skin. I may live in a diverse area but I’m worried as riots may start in any place, right?” said a Filipino-British nurse living in north London.
UK Filipinos unite against racism and violence
Various sectors within the Filipino community spoke out against the violent attacks on Filipino nurses as well as other racialised groups.
Philippine nursing and care associations came out with a collective statement on Facebook saying they strongly deplore what happened in Sunderland and are “standing united in advocating for the safety, respect and dignity of our Filipino Healthcare Workers and other global majority communities.”
Filipino Senior Nurses’ Alliance (FSNA), Philippine Nurses Association UK (PNA UK), Filipino Nurses Association UK (FNA-UK) and Filipinos in Care issued a joint statement on Facebook condemning “in the strongest terms the racism, violence and hostility directed towards these dedicated healthcare professionals as they made their way to provide essential emergency care.”
The statement also asked others “to reject racism and violence” and urged those who may have been affected to contact their respective senior leaders for advice and support.
On LinkedIn, Louie Horne, president of the FSNA, urged everyone to speak out against hate and show support by “appreciating the incredible contributions international nurses make to our healthcare system.”
The charity Kanlungan Filipino Consortium called for “immediate action to protect migrants and minoritised communities from further violence while asking the Philippine government to guarantee the safety of Filipinos in the UK.
Other charities serving Filipinos and the wider Southeast and East Asian communities, namely Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) and Southeast and East Asian Women’s Association (SEEAWA) also condemned the attacks.
Where to get help
If you have concerns about your safety, or have witnessed or experienced hate crime, violence or racism, you may contact the following:
On Your Side: 0808 801 0393
On Your Side offers a reporting service for people of East and Southeast Asian heritage who has experienced racism or any forms of hate. Their helpline team are ready to listen and offer you support.
NHS staff: text SHOUT to 85258 for support 24/7
This service is available to all NHS staff who have had a tough day, who are feeling worried or overwhelmed, or who have a lot on their mind and need to talk it through.
Filipino NHS staff: contact your international staff coordinators
You may also contact your officers if you are a member of FSNA, FNA UK, PNA UK or Filipinos in Care.
Kanlungan Filipino Consortium: 02039831871
If you are of Filipino heritage and would like to get advice, contact Kanlungan.
