Statement on The Southport Riots.
Originally uploaded to Instagram on the 7th August 2024.
The recent acts of domestic terrorism perpetrated by far-right groups across the country, following the tragic deaths of three young girls, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, in Southport, highlight the deeply troubling influence of far-right ideology on public attitudes towards immigrants in the United Kingdom.
While the riots are profoundly disturbing, they are, unfortunately, not entirely unexpected. They are the culmination of years of anti-immigrant, Islamophobic, and racist rhetoric promoted by both government and media outlets, which have consistently demonised asylum seekers, migrants, and racialized communities. The UK's colonial past has left a lingering legacy that continues to harm and divide.
The characterisation of these rioters as "patriotic" is utterly baseless. Acts of property destruction, public disorder, and assaults on emergency workers do not exemplify patriotism. This misuse of language has enabled figures such as Tommy Robinson to propagate their racist agendas with minimal repercussions, while asylum seekers and racialised groups bear the brunt of this hostility.
Equally concerning is the misconception that such violence is solely the province of the uneducated white working class. This perspective is steeped in classism and overlooks the significant role played by affluent politicians, such as Nigel Farage, who create and exploit societal divisions for their own gain.
We further criticise the discourse perpetuating the “model minority” myth, with the lives of wealthier, more educated and more assimilated minorities being characterised as more “valuable” and, therefore, more worthy of safety. This is not only classist and capitalistic but also creates a hierarchy of migrants. The lives of all people of colour should be regarded as equally valuable, regardless of their profession or their contributions to the UK economy. This narrative also serves to justify the neglect of vulnerable groups, particularly asylum seekers, as evidenced by the previous government's oppressive Rwanda bill and hotel housing initiative.
The media's framing of this white supremacist violence as "anti-immigration protesting" and "counter-demonstrations" is misleading. Actions such as stopping drivers to check their race, forcibly removing hijabs, and vandalising Muslim-owned businesses are not demonstrations; they are acts of racist terrorism. Protecting our communities from this violence and opposing far-right ideologies is not merely a counter-demonstration; it is a fundamental human duty.
We emphasise the need to use appropriate language when discussing these riots. When tabloids and politicians push a discourse of "anti-immigration" and "action" as opposed to "far-right extremism” and "terrorism”, they excuse these atrocities.
We stand in solidarity with all those affected by these riots and the underlying violent fascist discourse, including those participating in anti-racist protests, those involved in clean-up efforts, and all national movements opposing racism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia. It is imperative that we all work together to ensure safety and sanctuary for asylum seekers, Muslims, migrants, and racialised groups, now and always.
Signed, Catcalls of Sheff, Catcalls of Notts, Catcalls of Bristol, Catcalls of Ldn
