Our statement on the racist attacks across the UK

The escalation of far-right, racist and Islamophobic violence against our communities in recent days is horrifying. These targeted attacks on migrants, Muslims and people of colour do not occur in isolation – they are the direct result of years of racist, dehumanising policies and language being peddled by our politicians and the media.  

The far right has been emboldened by hateful media narratives and a race to the bottom in migration policies, with established parties battling it out to see who can enact the most cruelly and publicly.  

Now, we see the results – people up and down the country are scared for their lives, terrified that they have a target on their backs because of the colour of their skin or the way they speak. That fear is very real, because the violence is very real. Look at events in Rotherham – an attempt to burn down a hotel housing people seeking sanctuary is an attempted mass murder, and it’s time we named that.  

For too long, politicians and the media have scapegoated our communities to distract from the very real issues we all face. We’re living through a cost-of-living crisis that makes life harder for all of us, huge NHS waiting times and the ever-growing impacts of climate breakdown. Those in power, and those who support them, have preferred to distract us from these issues by demonising people who move, and targeting Muslims and people of colour. 

The attempt to distract continues even with this new wave of hate. Since the outbreak of violence, we’ve seen Members of Parliament give oxygen to the far right by arguing they have ‘legitimate concerns,’ and the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner has gone so far as to issue a statement saying that ‘mass uncontrolled immigration’ is what is causing this ‘civil unrest’.  

This is a time of anxiety and fear for so many in our communities. It must also be a moment for accountability and change. These racist attacks must be a wake-up call to the people in power, who must call this what it is: white supremacy, Islamophobia and in many instances, terrorism. We need our politicians to take responsibility for upholding state racism, and journalists to acknowledge their role in normalising and fuelling hostile, dehumanising narratives. 

It’s time for an end to the politics of hostility and division, including systemic racist policing and immigration raids, which tear our communities apart. Our government must stand firm: reject the scapegoating of Muslims and migrant communities and recognise that people moving is a simple fact of life, one that we should welcome. To counter this wave of hate, we need strong leadership, unwavering solidarity and a new politics based in the value of our shared humanity. 

As for the rest of us, we must stand firmly together, now more than ever. Check in with loved ones and neighbours, offer support and build collective care. If we are safe and able, we should organise, in our workplaces and communities, and strengthen the movement for justice, freedom and dignity for all.  

People are scared and angry, for themselves, their families and loved ones. But solidarity is stronger than fear, and hope will win over hate and intimidation.