Which current drives anti-Muslim racism in the UK?

Pars Today- Far-right groups in the UK are exploiting social discontent and promoting division and violence by relying on Islamophobia and xenophobia. Meanwhile, Israel and Zionist groups have also played a significant role in inciting these unrests.

Following recent unrest and riots in the UK, far-right groups have attacked migrants and Muslims. According to Pars Today, the unrest escalated after a fatal stabbing attack on three young girls in Southport, England.

The attack was carried out by a 17-year-old suspect who was misidentified as a Muslim migrant on social media, despite being born to Christian Rwandan parents.

Role of far-right groups

In this incident, riots and attacks on refugee hotels were instigated by far-right agitators. Tommy Robinson, one of these agitators and the founder of the English Defence League (EDL), fueled tensions through his provocative videos on social media. Robinson is currently operating from Cyprus, where he has fled to avoid UK court judgments.

Influence of prominent figures

These extremist currents are not limited to Robinson. Prominent figures such as Andrew Tate and Nigel Farage have also been accused of inciting these disturbances. Nigel Farage, the leader of the anti-immigrant Reform UK movement and a member of parliament, targeted migrants and Muslims with divisive statements. He recently claimed that Muslims do not align with British values. Farage justified the street riots as a "reaction to public fear and discontent" and threatened the future, saying: "What you see on the streets of Hartlepool, London, or Southport is nothing compared to what might happen in the coming weeks."

Government and security forces

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has strongly condemned the riots, describing them as "illegal thuggery." In a televised speech, he emphasized: "I guarantee you will regret taking part in these riots, whether directly or by fueling them on social media."

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, told Sky News: "Those who thought they were on summer vacation will now face the police at their doorstep."

Neil Basu, the former head of UK counter-terrorism policing, accused Farage of failing to condemn the violence, stating: "Has Nigel Farage condemned the violence? Has he condemned the English Defence League?"

Israeli and Zionist dimensions

Far-right groups in the UK have not only incited domestic unrest but have also supported Israeli policies in some cases. For example, in May, hundreds of far-right nationalists and pro-Israel supporters gathered outside a small cinema in north London to protest against pro-Palestinian activists. The gathering was part of a film festival sponsored by the Israeli government.

One of the organizers told Middle East Eye: "They were shouting and getting close to our faces, trying to take our placards and banners, and making racist insults."

Groups apparently linked to Israel, such as "Enough is Enough" and "7/10 Human Chain Project," which emerged after 7 October, have been among the main instigators of these gatherings. Far-right activists like Sam Westlake and Brian Stovell have also participated in these gatherings.

Impact on society

These riots have not only harmed the migrant and Muslim communities but have also fueled fear and insecurity among these communities. The police and government officials have emphasized that they will deal with the perpetrators of violence and unrest. 

Diane Abbott, a long-time Labour Party MP, tweeted: "Anti-immigrant riots across the country on an unprecedented scale. Threats to life, property, and our police force. We need to recall parliament."

The outcome of the recent riots and attacks in the UK shows that far-right groups, led by individuals like Tommy Robinson, Andrew Tate, and Nigel Farage, are trying to exploit misinformation and social tensions to strengthen hatred and violence against migrants and Muslims. These groups rely on Islamophobia and xenophobia to exploit social discontent and promote division and violence. 

Meanwhile, Israel and Zionist groups have also played a significant role in inciting these riots. However, the UK society and government must unite to counter these groups and preserve social security and cohesion.

Keywords: Racism in the UK, Crisis in the UK, Islamophobia in Europe, Islamophobia in Britain, British riots

MG/UR