Action for Race Equality is deeply concerned by the riots spreading across the UK over the last few days.
Misinformation about the tragic murders that took place in Southport last week have triggered far-right mobs in multiple cities, which has seen Muslim and migrant communities in particular targeted with increased levels of violence and hatred. The decision to co-opt the grief of the families and friends of Elsie, Alice, and Bebe to carry out this violence is despicable and deeply disrespectful to their memories.
We must make no mistake: these riots are firmly rooted in racial hatred, Islamophobia, and white supremacy. They do not care about ending violence against women and girls.
It is the direct result of years of hostile environment policies, political rhetoric that targets some of the most vulnerable communities, and a failure by Government to seriously commit to ending racism.
Those perpetrating this violence have anger that has been groomed by far-right extremist figureheads and validated by bigoted media narratives.
Steps must be taken to end this racist violence.
The new Government must work across parties to urgently prioritise solutions which end the policies, narratives and systems that have allowed racist ideologies to grow.
Until that action is taken, our communities will find strength in resistance, solidarity, and each other.
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