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Love will always triumph over hate

Restore response to the far-right riots in summer 2024, written and published in August.

The tragic loss of life in Southport is now being used as an excuse by far-right groups to further their own agenda of hatred. This violence is a consequence of a long history of demonisation and inflammatory rhetoric from some politicians and some sections of the media towards marginalised groups. it has been exacerbated by the hostile environment, Rwanda plan, stop the boats campaign and anti-migrant politicians and groups.

To quote the Together with Refugees Coalition, “We stand with all those targeted in these hateful attacks, many of whom came to the UK having already fled violence and persecution. Solidarity with all local communities & their countless acts of resistance, bravery, and support. Love will always triumph over hate.”

We also concur with the Archbishop of Canterbury who wrote, “Britain has a proud tradition of free speech and peaceful protest – those must always be protected. But violence and hatred targeted at minority communities is never justified and always abhorrent. It is completely unacceptable that Muslim and asylum-seeker communities are feeling so unsafe and I encourage people to reach out and support them.”

Shabana Mahmood (MP for Ladywood and Secretary of State for Justice) stated on X/Twitter: “I was briefed this afternoon (Monday 5 August) by West Midlands Police Chief Constable on their plans for far-right disorder in Birmingham: “Let me be clear. Violent thugs will face the full force of the law. To residents, I ask: stay away from these events and let the police get on with their vital work.”

Along with over 240 organisations, Restore has signed Together With Refugees joint statement in response to the recent anti-migration attack. The text of the joint statement is below and to read more, please click here.

We not only stand in solidarity against this hatred but recognise the importance of providing a more accurate narrative that champions the diversity and enrichment that refugees and asylum seekers bring to our city.

The excerpt above is from a document produced by Asylum Matters, Right to Remain, Praxis and NACCOM drawing on resources from Hope not Hate, about staying safe during far-right violence.  Please click here to read the full document.

• Get in touch with your MP to denounce the violence, to call for urgent change to create a just and compassionate asylum system and accommodate more asylum seekers in the community rather than in hotels which are expensive and easy targets.
• Sign a petition, such as the Hold on to Hope campaign by Hope not Hate, follow this link.
• Share positive words and welcoming messages to counteract hateful rhetoric, whether that is in person or online.