Nigel Farage has once again shown his true colours by making divisive and incendiary Islamophobic comments demonising British Muslims. During a recent Sky News interview with Trevor Phillips on 26th May, Farage claimed that a growing number of Muslims in Britain do not share British values and suggested that many support Hamas, a terrorist organisation proscribed in the UK. These remarks are inflammatory and reflect a disturbing trend in some areas of British politics that increasingly echo hateful rhetoric of the past. Indeed, much of this is reminiscent of Oswald Mosley's "Keep Britain White" campaign of the 1950s. This campaign spread fear and hatred, blaming minorities for societal problems and pushing for an exclusionary and homogenous ‘white Britain’.
Farage's Islamophobic Remarks: A Modern Echo
Farage's claim that a significant portion of British Muslims do not subscribe to British values and his assertion that many support Hamas, not only incites fear but also promotes division within society. By suggesting that Muslims are inherently un-British, Farage is perpetuating an 'us versus them' mentality that has no place in modern multicultural Britain.
His pathetic attempts to suggest “West Indians were “not like them (Muslims)” is a classic divide and rule tactic which does not go unnoticed and will not wash!
The Importance of Voter Registration for Black and Asian Communities
Given the alarming nature of Farage's statements, it is imperative for every Black and Asian person to register to vote immediately. This is not just about exercising a democratic right; it's about defending our communities from those who seek to undermine our place in British society. By voting, we can ensure that leaders who respect and uphold the values of diversity and inclusion are elected, and those who peddle hate and division are assigned to the dustbin of history.
Farage's divisive rhetoric is a stark reminder of why our participation in the political process is crucial. We must stand together against the forces that aim to marginalise us. Our vote is our voice, and it is powerful enough to halt this massive political assault on our children and future generation’s rights to be British and enjoy religious freedom living in a free, just and fair multicultural democracy.
Nigel Farage's recent comments are a blatant attempt to divide and conquer, drawing from a dangerous chapter in Britain's history. By equating Muslims with a threat to British values, Farage is echoing the dangerous ideologies of Oswald Mosley's Blackshirts and Enoch Powell's inflammatory speeches. It is up to us to reject this narrative and use our votes to champion anti-racism, unity and diversity which most would agree as being central to British values. It is therefore Farage who is not aligned with British values – not Muslims.
Finally, we all know that as the recession in the UK drags on, so will the ‘dog-whistling’ and the racism from those that seek to cause division and spread hate.
Vote for the future not the past.The deadline for registering to vote is 18 th June 2024. Register yourself, your family and the wider community today. Sign up here to secure an anti-racist future and a just society for all.
David Weaver
Chair, OBV
