The surge in far-right demonstrations and racist violence across our country, targeting Muslims, asylum seekers, and others on account of their ethnicity or identity is contemptible and has no place in an open and democratic society.
The violence started after lies were spread online that the perpetrator of murders in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker. In fact, this was not the case – the accused is a British citizen, born in the UK. But this shouldn’t matter. Nothing justifies the violence that has followed. It is worrying seeing how easily misinformation has spread across social media, and how easily the far right has been able to organise. This reflects both a failure by social media platforms and the state to tackle misinformation and incitement online, and by the state to effectively counter the growth of far-right networks. Urgent action is needed on both fronts.
Intimidation and violence directed at asylum seekers on the streets and in their own homes is particularly shocking. Asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable people in our society, often having fled persecution, violence, and abuse to get to the UK. Many have left everything behind and faced extremely difficult journeys. We support non-religious asylum seekers fleeing persecution because of their beliefs, so have seen this first hand. They should always be met with compassion and support, not further hatred in what should be their places of safety and shelter. The political and social atmosphere that has enabled this violence and emboldened racists is not new, but has been generated over many years. It must be addressed by a responsible change in rhetoric and approach from all public authorities and from the media.
Equally, in a society that enshrines freedom of belief in our law, no-one should face discrimination, intimidation, or violence because of their religious beliefs or identity. Attacks on Muslims and on mosques are a sickening example of blind hate. Again this is nothing new. Muslims experience some of the highest levels of hate crime of any section of our society and we should all stand against anti-Muslim bigotry.
How can we, as humanists, best respond to these events? Some will choose to take part in counter-rallies. This can be a proportionate and welcome response, where it assists the authorities in protecting people and property, but it is vital that it doesn’t engender more violence or hatred, or lead to people putting themselves at risk.
We can all take heart from the many communities where people of different backgrounds, identities, and beliefs are coming together to clean up damage, make connections, and build community. These efforts are to be commended and we encourage humanists everywhere to take part. The future of the UK will be one of increasing diversity: diversity of ethnicities, opinions, identities, and beliefs. The actions of the people of good will who come together now will illuminate that future.
On 9 August 1955, the humanists Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein (himself an asylum seeker) came together with others to call for peaceful resolutions to all conflicts. In their Manifesto, they wrote advice we commend to everyone at national and global times like these:
‘There lies before us, if we choose, continual progress in happiness, knowledge, and wisdom. Shall we, instead, choose death, because we cannot forget our quarrels? We appeal, as human beings, to human beings: Remember your humanity, and forget the rest.’
Six decades later, the humanist MP Jo Cox in her maiden speech spoke a truth about today’s UK from which we can also draw a lesson:
‘While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.’
We are inspired too by the statements made by the global humanist community on both democracy and peace:
‘As individuals we must work for peace in our lives. We must also work within the neighbourhoods, nations, networks and organisations of which we are part to foster peace among ourselves and a peaceful attitude towards others… self-identified communities are often better at promoting peace among their own members than between themselves and other groups. Healthy pride in our own traditions and people can too easily turn to unhealthy competition or even contempt for other people. Too often communities resort to a shared hostility to a common enemy as a way of bolstering their internal unity. Human beings must constantly strive to overcome these divisions and work together in support of our shared human rights and human values.’
Humanists International’s Oslo Declaration on Peace, 2011
‘Democracy as a culture must be actively defended against all threats, including those from regimes, movements and political parties that embrace authoritarian principles, from those with unaccountable economic and social power, and from all other forces that seek to undermine democratic values and institutions.’
Humanists International’s Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy, 2023
Humanists UK is a member of Belong: the Cohesion and Integration Network, and endorses its statement, as well as words from its former Co-Chair (and patron), Professor Ted Cantle.
Notes
For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 120,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.