The impact of the far-right riots on migrants and where we go next

The impact of the far-right riots on migrants and where we go next

On 15 and 29 August, Migrant Voice held online safe spaces in for migrants in the West Midlands and London and the South East respective, to discuss the ramifications of the recent far-right violent riots which transpired in the UK in the summer. The individuals who joined the meetings shared concerns, experiences and action points relevant for migrant communities who have been targeted by violence. These discussions highlighted the deep anxiety and sense of insecurity felt by our communities over the past few weeks and emphasised the urgent need for meaningful actions to address them.

One of the main concerns participants reported was about their safety and that of their family and loved ones.

“I raised my kids in this country, I never thought they would see this. How do I explain to them what is happening?”.

One person mentioned being worried about their wife who wears the hijab and their children. “How long do you need to be here to be British?”, another parent asked.

The riots also affected residents’ plans and activities not just in the areas where they took place, as people did not feel safe to even leave their homes. Many had indeed stayed home and avoided going out.

“I had three friends being attacked. One was attacked in a supermarket with a trolley and had racist abuse shouted at them.”

“I didn’t go out during the riots. I have been living in the UK for 20 years and I was avoiding going out. And I am in London. Then how is it for people in places that are not migrant friendly.”

Beyond feeling unsafe, several participants reported they sense of lack of response from authorities, saying that “if I am attacked, no one will protect me/us”. Even if an incident is reported, one participant said, “it does not go anywhere”, which was corroborated by statements of similar sentiment.

Ultimately, attendees recognise that the riots do not exist in a vacuum but are a product of decades-long divisive rhetoric from government officials and media.

“People felt emboldened and feel they can attack those they see anywhere.”

In both meetings there was a recognition of the roles politicians and the media played in framing migrants and migration as an issue.

Participants pointed out that successive governments have often reduced complex national conversations to simplistic and polarising debates on immigration. This rhetoric, which instils fear and mistrust of migrants, ultimately leads to the violence we see today.

There was an emphasis on wanting to change the rhetoric of the political and national debate.

“We need to change the narrative, we need to raise our voice.”

“We need to insist that the government don’t legitimise this and that they speak better about migration.”

Read the full notes here.