The Shadow of Xenophobia: How Anti-Immigrant Sentiment is Transforming the UK
Since the historic Brexit vote in 2016, the discourse in British politics and on social media has been increasingly dominated by far-right views and anti-immigrant rhetoric. As a British expatriate who has spent most of my adult life abroad, I feel compelled to pen this piece as an apology.
Throughout my travels, I have encountered a common perception of the UK as a bastion of tolerance, open-mindedness, and inclusivity. People often view Britain as a place where principles of fair play and respect for diversity allow its citizens to empathize with others and appreciate the world's complexities. This perception is what makes the recent events, widely circulated on platforms like TikTok and X, so jarring.
I am referring, of course, to the wave of social unrest, violence, and hatred that has swept across the UK. The spark for this turmoil was a tragic incident in Southport, where a 17-year-old killed three children and injured dozens at a dance event. Unfounded online rumors quickly spread, falsely claiming that the perpetrator was an asylum seeker who had entered the UK illegally. In reality, the individual was born in Cardiff, as were my father and grandfather.
As we have seen with the rapid spread of misinformation, online rumors proliferate like a pandemic. While Southport was in mourning, groups of predominantly men descended on the normally tranquil seaside town to express their anger through violence and destruction. Mosques, cafes, restaurants, and homes belonging to Muslims and other minority groups were targeted. The power of online influence was evident over the ensuing days as similar violent gatherings occurred in towns and cities across the UK.
These incidents have primarily occurred in England and Northern Ireland, with no major incidents reported in Wales or Scotland. Right-wing groups such as the English Defence League and Pegida have been implicated in stirring up hatred and organizing these gatherings. It feels strange and wrong to refer to these events as "riots" or "protests," as these terms imply a legitimate cause. It is equally shocking to witness such brazen displays of anti-immigration and Islamophobic views in 2024, and to see them frequently defended.
Yet, this is not entirely surprising. One only needs to examine the anti-immigrant sentiment perpetuated by certain media outlets and the policies of UK governments over the past fifteen years, aimed at reducing immigration and appeasing right-wing voters. Having worked in international education for many years, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of international relations on the UK and other countries. International education contributes more to the UK economy than aerospace, generating £42 billion annually. Yet, in recent years, international students have been demonized, made to feel unwelcome, and blamed for problems unrelated to them.
Brexit exposed deep-seated divisions in British multiculturalism. This is before considering the role of populist politicians, right-wing voices, and influencers who broadcast their views with impunity, leading others to believe they have an inherent right to express their opinions, even if they incite violence and hatred. What is the natural consequence of this environment? Since the Brexit vote in 2016, polarized views have come to the fore, with people judging issues in black and white terms, devoid of nuance, concession, and empathy.
Our perceptions are often shaped by what we see. I have heard many times how people form their views of the UK based on images of policewomen wearing hijabs, MPs defending Syrians, Palestinians, and asylum seekers in the House of Commons, and vivid examples of multiculturalism enhancing communities and cities. I have even heard North Africans express a wish that their countries had been colonized by Britain instead of France, although many living in the shadow of British colonialism would disagree. Since 2016, however, the skeletons in the closet have come to center stage, and it is clear for all to see.
Historian Yuval Noah Harari writes in his book "21 Lessons for the 21st Century," "The year 2016…signified the moment when this tidal wave of disillusionment reached the core liberal states of western Europe and North America." Some discovered a liking for the old hierarchical world and are unwilling to relinquish their racial, national, or gendered privileges. "To be suddenly left without any story is terrifying. Nothing makes any sense."
Morrissey, the lead singer of The Smiths, sang in 1986: "Panic on the streets of London… Panic in the streets of Birmingham… I wonder to myself…could life ever be sane again?" The same Morrissey has been criticized for his discriminatory views, freely expressed but wholeheartedly rejected by his fans. There is a new panic on the streets of London, caused by the fear of others, the fear of what we are not, and the fear of what we are.
And so, I return to my apology. I am sorry that people reacted, and continue to react, to tragedy through violence and hatred. I am sorry that the country I grew up in is exhibiting such division. I am sorry that kind, good-hearted people of all ages, colors, religions, and backgrounds in the UK are not being viewed and shared around the world this week. And I am sorry that citizens of all countries everywhere may base their opinions of the UK on what they frame from all this. I am sorry that, for the moment at least, hate seems to be overpowering hope.