UK

Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment stoked far-right riots

August 03, 2024
Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment stoked far-right riots

On Saturday, more deplorable incidents occurred on UK streets as law enforcement continues to battle a surge of far-right unrest throughout the nation.More marches are scheduled for the upcoming days, but experts have cautioned that some people's ingrained anti-Islamic attitude is fuelling these protests.

Runnymede Trust, a think tank dedicated to civil rights and racial equality, issued a warning, stating that "violent racism has long been simmering under the surface" of society. A representative stated, "What is occurring is the direct outcome of years of normalised racism and Islamophobia, encouraged by politicians and the British media."

In recent years, there has been an increase in incidences and discourse that is Islamophobic. The Home Office reports that hate crimes motivated by religion are at an all-time high, with Muslims being the most often targeted religious group. The number of religious hate crimes increased by 9% in the year ending in March 2023; of these, 2 in 5 targeted Muslims based on the victim's registered religion.

Tensions created by disinformation following the mass stabbing in Southport have spread throughout the UK, with chaos breaking out in Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, Bristol, Stoke, and Leeds.

Muslims in Britain said in March that they are too afraid to leave their houses after dark. This was in response to fresh data from the London-based charity Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU), which revealed that the number of Islamophobic incidents had increased by 365% since Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7.Campaigners claim that political dynamics and speech have contributed to the rise of anti-Muslim hostility. The chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, Qari Asim, responded to the disturbances by stating that Muslims nationwide are "deeply worried and anxious about the planned riots by the far-right groups across the country."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has vowed his 'full support' for police to take action against 'extremists' aiming to'sow hate' by frightening communities, as he holds emergency discussions with ministers about the turmoil in areas of England. However, troops around the country have reported injuries among their ranks, with sick yobs seen tossing stones and punching officers as they attempt to defend the nation's streets.