Anti-Migrant Fear-mongering is Destroying the UK Many of Us Love

I think that I am writing this as an apology. I’m British but have lived outside of the UK for most of my adult life. I’ve seen first hand the impression that people have of the UK, what it means to them and what they see it as. Outside of politics (which is another story altogether), I’ve often found that people view the UK as a place that is tolerant, open-minded, inclusive and friendly, where the principles of fair play and respect for our differences allow Brits to put themselves in others’ shoes and see the world and its complexities from various points of view. That’s why the events of last week, seen all over the world in videos on TikTok and X, are so shocking.

I’m referring, of course, to the waves of social unrest, violence and hate that has spread over the UK. The fuse was lit out of tragedy, as a 17-year-old killed three children and injured dozens at a dance event in Southport, for reasons known only to themselves. This senseless act sparked online rumours (completely unfounded, of course) that the murderer was an asylum seeker who had entered the UK illegally. In fact, he was born in Cardiff, as were my father and grandfather.

But as we know, online rumours spread like COVID, and while Southport was mourning groups of (mainly) men descended on the normally sleepy seaside town to display their anger. They chose to do this through violence and destruction, attacking shops and buildings which they associated with the subject of their rage. And so mosques, cafes, restaurants and homes belonging to Muslims and other groups were attacked. The power of online influence was shown over the ensuing days as similar communal violent meetings took place in towns and cities over the UK.

It seems that most of this happened in England and Northern Ireland; no major incidents have yet been reported in Wales or Scotland. Right wing groups such as the English Defence League and Pegida have been implicated, whether accused of stirring up hate or organising meetings. It feels strange and wrong to refer to these as “riots” or “protests,” as both imply that there is a cause to rail against. It also seems shocking to view these images in 2024, and to see such anti-immigration and Islamaphobic views so brazenly and horribly demonstrated – and frequently, defended.

And yet not shocking at all. We only have to look at the anti-immigrant sentiment constantly broadcast in certain media, to examine the policies of UK governments over the last fifteen years aimed at driving down immigration and placating right wing voters. I have worked for many years in international education and am proud to see the effects of international relations from the UK to other countries. International education as an industry is worth more to the UK economy than aerospace, contributing £42 billion per year. And yet in recent years international students have been demonised, made to feel unwelcome and blamed for a variety of problems that have nothing to do with them.

Brexit exposed rifts in British multiculturalism

This is before we even start to consider the role of populist politicians, right-wing voices and influencers who broadcast their views with impunity, making others believe that they, too, have an inherent right to say what they think – even if it incites violence hatred. What’s the next natural consequence? Since the Brexit vote in 2016, polarised views have come into the light, with people judging things to be either black or white. There is no nuance, no concession, and no empathy.

We judge many things by framing what we see. I’ve heard many times how people base their view of the UK on what they see; police women wearing hijabs, MPs defending Syrians, Palestinians and asylum seekers in the House of Commons, vivid examples of multiculturalism enhancing and improving communities and cities. I’ve even heard North Africans tell me that they wish their country had been colonised by Britain instead of France – although there are many people living in the shadow of British colonialism who would disagree. Since 2016, however, the skeletons in the closet have come to centre stage, and it’s clear for all to see.

“The year 2016…signified the moment when this tidal wave of disillusionment reached the core liberal states of western Europe and North America,” historian Yuval Noah Harari writes in his book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century.” Some discovered a liking for the old hierarchical world, and they just don’t want to give up their racial, national or gendered privileges…to be suddenly left without any story is terrifying. Nothing makes any sense.”

Morrissey, the lead singer of The Smiths, sang in 1986: “Panic on the streets of London… Panic in the streets of Birmingham… I wonder to myself…could life ever be sane again?” The same Morrissey has himself been roundly criticised for his discriminatory views, freely expressed but wholeheartedly rejected by his fans. There is a new panic on the streets of London, caused by the fear of others, the fear of what we are not, and the fear of what we are.

And so I return to my apology. I’m sorry that people reacted, and continue to react, to tragedy through violence and hatred. I’m sorry that the country I grew up in is exhibiting such division. I’m sorry that kind, good-hearted people of all ages, colours, religions and backgrounds in the UK are not being viewed and shared around the world this week. And I’m sorry that citizens of all countries everywhere may base their opinions of the UK on what they frame from all this. I’m sorry that, for the moment at least, hate seems to be overpowering hope.