Womankind Worldwide’s response to extreme far-right attacks in the UK

In the last couple of days, we have witnessed the horror of fascist and racist attacks, Islamophobia and xenophobia through riots and social unrest in many parts of the UK. 

As Womankind Worldwide, we stand in solidarity with the families of the three girls who lost their lives in Southport and unequivocally condemn this violence that has robbed these families.  

We are shocked by the subsequent events that have seen extreme far- right and racist supporters level attacks on immigrant communities, Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC). From vandalising buildings to hotels housing immigrants to physical attacks on individuals and slurs on these communities the attacks have also been coordinated and heightened online through misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory content. Such deplorable actions violate basic human rights and undermine the principles of diversity and inclusion our society upholds. 

These attacks have unveiled the systemic injustices that have long existed in the UK with far-right extremism and white supremacists being historically protected by the political class and a narrative controlled by the press. A week into the riots, the government and media have repeatedly called these events  ‘violent protests’. They have refused to admit these are racist and fascist attacks against immigrant communities, those born in the UK alongside expats due to their race, faith, religion and colour. 

Big Tech platforms have equally failed in their responsibility towards robust community guidelines, standards and fast-tracking emergency Integrity Product and Operations Centers (IPOCs) that will protect the integrity of the platforms and users. They’ve allowed misogyny, racist slurs and violence incitement to dominate through various hashtags where we’ve seen far-right extremists continue to weaponize hate. Regulators such as Ofcom must now draw the line and fulfil obligations towards online safety and protection. 

We call on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government to remember that the UK has a duty of care towards all communities- more so their election manifesto that called for a national renewal. The government must show leadership by taking a zero-tolerance stand on far-right extremism and terrorism attacks. They must shift the persistent extremism narrative that has existed in the nation and address the core root of racism that has repeatedly seen attacks on people based on the colour of their skin, religion or perceived country of origin or immigration status.  

We also stand in solidarity with BIPOC asylum seeking and refugee women and girls who also find themselves at the centre of these events. These are communities still reeling from the trauma of war, violence and economic oppression while seeking a safe haven and humanitarian assistance in the UK. In the current situation, their experience is being overlooked yet they face the harshest impact of systemic inequalities and discrimination.