London, UK – Operation Black Vote (OBV) has issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, demanding immediate government intervention to address the escalating racial tensions and the imminent risk of further race riots across the UK. This plea follows a surge in violent incidents fuelled by hate crimes and the growing threat of the violent extreme right.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, David Weaver, Chair of OBV, detailed a series of alarming events that underscore the severity of the situation. In Southport, the brutal killing of three children at a dance class sparked race riots targeting a local mosque, leading to widespread destruction and numerous injuries highlighting a pervasive and intensifying hostility towards Black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities, particularly Muslims.
Key Incidents Include:
- Southport: The tragic killing of three children ignited race riots targeting a mosque, resulting in injuries and significant property damage.
- Knowsley, Merseyside: Asylum seekers at the Suites Hotel were attacked with rocks and fireworks.
- Peterborough: The Muslim community faces ongoing Islamophobia, with many incidents going unreported due to fear.
- Darlington: Heightened Islamophobia linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict has created a climate of fear.
- South Belfast: A Nigerian woman and her daughter have been terrorized by hate-motivated attacks, forcing them to live in fear.
- Northern Ireland: Long-term resident Takura Makoni was forced to move after his home was vandalized with racist graffiti.
- Additional Incidents: Similar troubling events have been reported in London, Sunderland, and Manchester, reflecting a broader, alarming trend of increasing hate crimes and the radicalization of the extreme right.
From April 2015 to March 2020, racially or religiously aggravated offences have risen significantly, with Muslims being the most targeted group. Police-recorded hate crimes have more than doubled since 2013, and by March 2020, 6,822 religious hate crimes were recorded, with Muslims accounting for 50% of these offences. Research from the Runnymede Trust and Hope Not Hate highlights the persistent and evolving nature of Islamophobia and the growing threat of far-right extremism.
In the OBV letter to the PM sent Thursday 30th July 2024 (in full below), OBV urged the Prime Minister to consider introducing a similar response from Government as we have seen we Jewish Synagogues have come under attack. This should include measures such as:
- Rapid Policing Review and Risk Assessment: Immediate review of policing strategies and risk assessment of vulnerable communities.
- National Police Chiefs Council and Metropolitan Mayors Report: An urgent report detailing perceived risks and collaborative efforts to challenge the politics of hate.
- Increased Investment in Community Protection: More resources for community engagement, support, security, and protection.
- Development of a Critical Incident Framework: Guidance for responding to serious crimes that could incite violence.
- National Policing and Reassurance Framework: A comprehensive framework to address disinformation and hate speech.
"The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated," said David Weaver. "Without immediate and decisive action, we risk further unrest and the potential loss of life. We urge the government to take swift and comprehensive action to ensure the safety and security of all citizens."
Operation Black Vote looks forward to a prompt response from the Prime Minister and stands ready to work together to create a safer, more inclusive Britain.
For more information, please contact us.
Read our letter to Prime Minister Starmer below
Supporting Sources:
- Home Office. (2018). Understanding the Increase in Hate Crime Reporting: 2013-2018.
- Runnymede Trust. (2017). Islamophobia: Still a Challenge for Us All.
- Hope Not Hate. (2020).
- Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2020). Crime in England and Wales: Year Ending March 2020.
- Home Office. (2020). Hate Crime, England and Wales, 2019 to 2020.
- Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks).
About Operation Black Vote (OBV):
Operation Black Vote is a non-partisan campaign group dedicated to addressing racial injustices and promoting greater racial and ethnic inclusion in politics and public life.
