We are greatly heartened by the large turnout of anti-racist counter-protesters on the evening of Wednesday 7th August following the threats of racist rioters targeting individuals and communities, including migrants and those supporting them. This comes on top of the incredible support given to those helping the library in Liverpool to reopen, the businesses in Belfast to recover and the carer in Middlesborough to replace his car. We should also not forget the many others who have stepped up to help clear up the damage caused by the riots, including rebuilding the wall at the Southport Mosque.
Whilst there are likely to be many challenges still ahead, we do need to think what needs to be done to prevent this happening in the future. Some of the actions need to be focused on how we can stop the facilitation of anti-Muslim hatred. Islamophobia needs to be challenged on social media, but also on mainstream media. Ofcom needs to do better, but the BBC needs to stop providing a platform for those who foster hate, while simultaneously keeping their funding secret.
Additionally, whilst the Government has promised a new Equality Act that will address race equality, it must be more substantive than just focusing on ethnic pay gap monitoring. It certainly needs to be accompanied by a radical reform of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, making it truly independent, including ensuring the appointment of its leadership and commissioners are free from political interference.
Perhaps the biggest challenge is to address the inequalities that have damaged the wellbeing and life chances of many, whilst accruing ever greater wealth to some. The rebuilding of public services will need to be prioritised, with the recognition that Britain’s Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic groups will be crucial to this, not least because they make-up a bigger proportion of the working age population.
Importantly, within all of this we cannot lose sight of the persistence and damaging impact of male violence. Whilst, like us, many organisations have been working to prevent violence in the lives of children and young people, their families and communities, it is still a regular experience for many, particularly women and girls. It is wrong to suggest that this is an issue for one community or another, but it is also wrong not to take steps to change the attitudes of boys and men that violence is a viable and valuable option. To achieve this change, it requires more than a criminal justice response; it will involve the state working better with individuals, families and communities to tackle the persistence of male violence.
Like many who turned up on 7th August 2024, we stand ready to play our part in the challenge ahead.
