This weekend, a far-right protest was held in London. The turnout was lower than last year but still alarmingly high. The decrease in numbers doesn’t detract from the fear that seeing thousands attending a march fuelled by Islamophobia, racism, and hatred will cause for people, in particular Muslim communities, people seeking sanctuary, and people from racially minoritised communities.
The Islamophobic, racist hate spewed during speeches and displayed on placards was deeply disturbing. The fact that this hate speech is not being more widely condemned is also disturbing. Hate should have no place here.
This country is richer for and has benefited hugely from the diversity of culture and faith that makes up the United Kingdom. At SARI, we are exhausted by the vitriolic, divisive rhetoric that ignores this. It is a rhetoric that sadly means more people coming through our doors reporting hate and being harmed.
The Runnymede Trust said it perfectly. “The far right doesn’t represent a united kingdom. We do.” Those who stand in solidarity against hate and who celebrate multi-cultural communities are what unites this country.
We have to come together to stand against hate and to stand for inclusion, diversity and compassion.
We know many will be feeling even more unsafe following the events of this weekend. For anyone targeted by hate in Avon and Somerset, we are here.
Far-Right Protest in London
