We are currently witnessing an alarming increase in racial and religious tensions in UK cities. The pervasive influence of extreme rightism mainly causes these tensions. This has caused numerous Anti-immigrant protests in the UK and widespread unrest.
The spread of false information, the normalization of Islamophobia and political passivity have aggravated these issues. In the following, we examine the leading causes of these tensions and the significant impact of anti-immigration sentiments on Muslim communities and other minorities. We also discuss, the perspectives of law enforcement and the challenges related to addressing the issue of racial and religious discrimination in the UK.
Racial and religious tensions in UK cities
Racial and religious tensions in UK cities have risen as anti-immigration sentiment has spread. Factors such as economic insecurity and the influence of extreme right-wing ideologies have caused the growth of these tensions.
People of these groups usually stage violent protests in places where immigrants live. These tensions are caused by the insecurity and fear of immigrants, especially Muslim immigrants, because these people have even targeted religious places many times.
Anti-immigrant protests in Britain
Associated far-right organizations are trying to portray immigrants as a threat to national security and social cohesion. Right now, with the recent events that have taken place and caused the death of three little girls, the anti-immigrant protests in the UK are more than ever.
On July 29, a 17-year-old boy named Axel Rodakobana stabbed three little girls to death in Southport, northwest England. Although he was a British-born teenager, far-right groups immediately seized the opportunity to spread false information about his identity.
They spread false information that he was a Muslim refugee and entered the country illegally. Spreading this misinformation across social media increased racial and religious tensions in UK cities. After that, massive violent Islamophobic and anti-immigrant protests in the UK took place.
The role of false information in increasing religious and racial tensions
Dissemination of false information plays an essential role in growing anti-immigrant protests in line with religious and racial tensions. Spreading false news using social media is a common practice of far-right groups.
In this kind of news, the extreme right shows the immigrants as perpetrators of crimes in which they are not involved. The recent stabbing in Southport is a prime example of this type of disinformation falsely attributed to a Muslim refugee.
Unfortunately, social media sites like X (formerly Twitter) have become platforms for spreading false information. Despite these platforms, extremist groups spread their messages quickly. Coping with this false information is difficult for the authorities, and these tensions can cause significant damage to the country’s security.
Political slogans like flames
Right-wing extremists can use the words used by political leaders and have caused the spread of racial and religious tensions in UK cities. Politicians sometimes intentionally or unintentionally align with the feelings of the extreme right in their speeches. This will lead to the normalization of anti-immigrant views, and the extremists will achieve their goals.
In the recent demonstrations, participants have chanted slogans such as “stop the boats” which were initially introduced by Conservative politicians. Later, these phrases gained popularity among extreme right groups.
These events show the significant impact of political speeches on the public atmosphere. Politicians may even unwittingly join the cause of extremism and create racial and religious divides in British cities.
Police response to anti-immigrant protests
Increased demonstrations and violent activities have challenged the police. In Southport, Sunderland, and London, there have been many clashes between protesters and the police.
Law enforcers have adopted strategies to resolve the recent anti-immigrant protests in the UK. Across the UK, police forces have stepped up security measures. Police forces have been deployed in various places to prevent people from gathering and to prevent damage to people and property. Far-right groups injured more than 50 of these police officers during a recent demonstration near a mosque.
Following the crackdown on the growing violence, around 600 rioters have been arrested, and many of the participants have faced serious charges. Despite the efforts of the police to control the situation, they have faced criticism. These arrests are short-term solutions; However, little is being done to solve and to address the primary causes of these protests.
The government and these media have cooperated to remove false content from social networks. However, misinformation continues to spread. With the release of such information, it has become difficult for the authorities to deal with and control protests.
Consequences of recent protests
One of the most influential factors in the recent anti-immigrant protests in the UK is far-right groups. By portraying immigrants as dangerous and creating terror in the hearts of the British people, they have taken communities with them.
These groups have gained broader support in their actions as a defence of British values. They argue that the presence of immigrants, especially Muslims, poses a cultural threat to Britain. In this regard, extreme right-wing groups carry out violent and destructive actions. Many of these protests have involved significant violence. In this regard, these people attack mosques, places of employment of immigrants and hotels where they are accommodated and create insecurity.
In recent protests, far-right groups in cities such as Sunderland and Liverpool have even clashed with the police, in addition to setting fire to public buildings and looting shops.
The result of these tensions and violence, in addition to such destruction, causes division and creates a deep gap between immigrants and local people. Fear and mistrust caused by these protests have developed a sense of fear and insecurity for many immigrants.
The impact of anti-immigrant protests on British society
The recent situation has caused fear and insecurity among immigrants, especially Muslim immigrants. People unfairly blame these individuals for social problems for which they are not responsible.
There are criticisms of the government for not adequately handling and investigating the causes of Racial and religious tensions in UK cities. The law enforcers have adopted solutions to deal with illegal activities; However, the reason for the lack of political will to deal with the spread of far-right ideology is unclear.
A stronger position of political leaders against Islamophobia and racism is needed.
Conclusion
The spread of groups with extreme right-wing beliefs is the result of the normalization of Islamophobia and the use of anti-immigrant statements by politicians.
Political leaders must take a firm stand against Islamophobia. Also, do not use anti-immigrant words in your speech. Social media should also be held accountable for their role in spreading false information and organizing protests by far-right groups.
Failure to address the leading causes of these racial and religious tensions in UK cities will cause the UK to face a multi-community problem and create a sense of insecurity among immigrants.
