05/08/2024
The surge in far-right demonstrations and racist violence across our country, targeting Muslims, asylum seekers, and others on account of their ethnicity or identity is contemptible and has no place in an open and democratic society.
The violence started after lies were spread online that the perpetrator of murders in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker. In fact, this was not the case – the accused is a British citizen, born in the UK. But this shouldn’t matter. Nothing justifies the violence that has followed. It is worrying seeing how easily misinformation has spread across social media, and how easily the far right has been able to organise. This reflects both a failure by social media platforms and the state to tackle misinformation and incitement online, and by the state to effectively counter the growth of far-right networks. Urgent action is needed on both fronts.
Intimidation and violence directed at asylum seekers on the streets and in their own homes is particularly shocking. Asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable people in our society, often having fled persecution, violence, and abuse to get to the UK. Many have left everything behind and faced extremely difficult journeys. We support non-religious asylum seekers fleeing persecution because of their beliefs, so have seen this first hand. They should always be met with compassion and support, not further hatred in what should be their places of safety and shelter. The political and social atmosphere that has enabled this violence and emboldened racists is not new, but has been generated over many years. It must be addressed by a responsible change in rhetoric and approach from all public authorities and from the media.
Equally, in a society that enshrines freedom or belief in our law, no-one should face discrimination, intimidation, or violence because of their religious beliefs or identity. Attacks on Muslims and on mosques are a sickening example of blind hate. Again this is nothing new. Muslims experience some of the highest levels of hate crime of any section of our society and we should all stand against anti-Muslim bigotry.
How can we, as humanists, best respond to these events? Some will choose to take part in counter-rallies. This can be a proportionate and welcome response, where it assists the authorities in protecting people and property, but it is vital that it doesn’t engender more violence or hatred, or lead to people putting themselves at risk.
We can all take heart from the many communities where people of different backgrounds, identities, and beliefs are coming together to clean up damage, make connections, and build community. These efforts are to be commended and we encourage humanists everywhere to take part. The future of the UK will be one of increasing diversity: diversity of ethnicities, opinions, identities, and beliefs. The actions of the people of good will who come together now will illuminate that future.
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