The UK has recently been the epicenter of a series of far-right riots that have left communities in turmoil. As the dust begins to settle, anti-racism groups are not resting on their laurels. Instead, they are meticulously planning their next steps to ensure that the momentum gained during the counter-protests is not lost. This article explores the immediate actions taken by these groups, the role of social media in their efforts, the importance of addressing the root causes of hate, and their plans for a more inclusive future.
Immediate Response to Far-right Riots
The far-right riots that erupted across the UK were met with a swift and organized response from anti-racism activists. Jo Cardwell, a seasoned volunteer at Stand Up to Racism, was at the forefront of these efforts. "In many places, we were ready, but we need more people all the time," she remarked, emphasizing the unprecedented scale of the attacks. The counter-protests saw thousands of people holding banners and chanting "Refugees are welcome here," effectively fending off potential threats with the aid of strong policing.
The riots were ignited by a wave of false online posts that wrongly identified the suspected killer of three young girls in Southport as an Islamist migrant. This misinformation fueled a surge of far-right violence targeting Muslims, Black people, and asylum seekers. In response, an estimated 25,000 people joined counter-protests across Britain, significantly outnumbering the far-right protesters.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has become a double-edged sword in the battle against far-right extremism. Both far-right groups and anti-racism activists have leveraged platforms like Telegram, WhatsApp, and TikTok to organize and disseminate information. Asad Rehman, chair of the Newham Monitoring Project, highlighted the importance of staying vigilant: "Social media has changed some of their (far-right) organizing models, so we have to be on top of that: where are they organizing, who are their organizers, and what are they planning".
While Telegram is known to be the far-right’s go-to platform, counter-protesters have also made significant inroads, with one of their main groups boasting over 3,000 subscribers. The rapid dissemination of information through these platforms has been crucial in mobilizing large numbers of counter-protesters and ensuring their safety during demonstrations.
Tackling the Roots of Hate
Anti-racism groups understand that immediate responses to far-right violence are not enough. To create lasting change, they must address the root causes of hate. Jo Cardwell pointed out that migration policies introduced by the former Conservative government have contributed to the rise in far-right narratives. "Politicians are telling us to worry about the people (arriving in the UK) in small boats," she said. "But it is the people in private jets and superyachts I’m worried about".
These groups argue that years of scapegoating migrants and other ethnic groups for falling living standards have fueled far-right sentiments. By shifting the focus to the real issues, such as economic inequality and discriminatory immigration laws, anti-racism activists hope to undermine the far-right’s influence.
Community Solidarity
The recent counter-protests have demonstrated the power of community solidarity in the face of hate. In Liverpool, Dr. Badr Abdullah, leader of the Alahma Mosque, described the atmosphere during the protests as uplifting: "People from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and ethnicities came together, and it was wonderful to be part of that". This sense of unity was echoed across the country, with anti-racism demonstrators significantly outnumbering far-right protesters in cities like Brighton and Newcastle.
Father Peter Morgan, the priest at St. Anne's Church in Liverpool, expressed his elation as hundreds of individuals formed a protective human barrier around the immigration center. "The atmosphere felt festive, with no signs of discord. We believed we had made a meaningful statement," he remarked. This sense of community solidarity has been a crucial factor in countering the far-right’s attempts to sow division and fear.
Future Plans
As the immediate threat of far-right riots begins to wane, anti-racism groups are focusing on long-term strategies to combat hate and promote inclusivity. These strategies include:
Strengthening Networks: Building stronger alliances with trade unions, religious groups, and other community organizations. By fostering these connections, anti-racism groups can mobilize larger numbers of people and create a more united front against hate.
Education and Awareness: Launching campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of far-right ideologies and the benefits of multiculturalism. These campaigns aim to dispel myths and misinformation that fuel hate and promote a more inclusive society.
Policy Advocacy: Lobbying for policies that address the root causes of hate, such as economic inequality and discriminatory immigration laws. By advocating for systemic change, anti-racism groups hope to create a more just and equitable society for all.
The recent far-right riots in the UK have highlighted the urgent need for a united front against hate. Anti-racism groups have shown remarkable resilience and solidarity in their immediate response, but the road ahead is long. By focusing on education, community building, and policy advocacy, these groups aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The fight against hate is far from over, but the determination and unity displayed by anti-racism activists offer a glimmer of hope. As Jo Cardwell aptly put it, "Our society is richer because of multiculturalism, it is richer because of the people who have come here. These are things that should be celebrated and fought for, not things to be feared".
