As Unite members, we are appalled that Howard Beckett has engaged in racist behaviour on social media. Howard Beckett said that Priti Patel, a very high profile British woman of Asian decent, should be deported. While we are angry at this government's immigration policy no one should be deported because of their views. Priti Patel is a British born woman. Black and brown British people live with this kind of language every day and should not be subject to this kind of abuse anywhere, least of all from people wanting to lead a major trade union.

Unite's rule book says

"a member may be charged with: Inciting, espousing or practising discrimination or intolerance amongst members on grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation"

and that

"The Executive Council or the relevant Regional Committee may suspend a member charged under this rule from holding any office or representing the Union in any capacity pending its decision." 

Unite claim they stand shoulder to shoulder against all forms of racism. Their leaders should be held to the highest standard. Now is the time for them to act. Howard Beckett's apology doesn't come close. He must be suspended from the union immediately. Please sign this petition in support.