Conflict Alerts # 658, 8 August 2024
Samruddi Pathak In the news
On 7 August, several counter-protesters and protesters against the riots gathered in the cities of London, Brighton, and Bristol in support of refugees. The gatherings were peaceful. The violent anti-immigrant protests which began on 30 July turned into riots on 4 August.
On 7 August, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “I guarantee you [rioters] will regret taking part in this disorder whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves. This is not protest. It is organized, violent thuggery.”
On 6 August, the number of arrests surpassed 400, as per Le Monde. The riots spread across the UK and Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to use full force against the rioters. The government deployed over 6,000 riot police across 30 locations. Starmer called a meeting with cabinet ministers and gave a speech calling rioters “right-wing thuggers.”
Issues at large
First, background to the riots and counterprotests. The protests erupted when a teenager attacked three girls during a dance session in Southport. Later, false information was circulated that the attacker was an asylum-seeking Muslim teenager. The protests began in Southport turned into riots and expanded to the rest of the country in a week. Protests were also against the stagnant economy. The UK’s inflation touched nine per cent in 2022. The prices of utilities have been rising but quality of living has been the same for more than a decade. Besides, people were angry at the government for housing the immigrants using taxpayers’ money. A week into the unrest, counter-protests began against the riots and the racial sentiments.
Second, the involvement of the right wing. The far-right parties including the English Defence League and UK Reform Party have been at the forefront of the riots. The leaders of these parties have been allegedly instigating anti-immigrant sentiments and xenophobia among people. Besides, the members of right-wing pressure groups including the Patriotic Alternative and British Movement were active in the riots.
Third, the disinformation campaign. Starmer blamed social media for propagating polarising content. False information incited violence and right-wing parties perpetuated it. A social media post that falsely claimed the attacker to be a Muslim refugee was widely circulated. This led to the widespread circulation of Islamophobic posts on social media. Meanwhile, there were no attempts to delete these posts or curb their circulation. This led to people protesting near mosques and sensitive areas.
Fourth, the government’s response. The government deployed police and provided them with riot gear. The government is adamant on curbing the riots and has made its position clear on anti-immigration sentiments. Municipalities announced community events for better assimilation of immigrants and solidarity against racism. The Prime Minister announced penalties on rioters for public property damage.
In perspective
The riots are unlikely to reach a boiling point. Besides, people are divided on the issue of xenophobia. Protesters encountered counter-protesters in many cities. Therefore, far-right protests do not represent the sentiments of the entire country. The number of counter-protesters have outnumbered protesters reflecting the consensus of the country.
The surveys by Ipsos and the European Social Survey have concluded that the majority of the British people perceive immigration positively. However, the riots have spread across the country. This reflects that the riots were deliberately instigated with political motives. However, the unrest does reflect a rise in extremism in British society.