We the steering group members of the Brent Multi-faith Forum, deplore the politics of hatred, racism, and xenophobia.  The riots perpetrated by right-wing extremists are a product of such fantasies and paranoias that are central to the malevolent values of fascism.[1]

In contrast, we hold that the root of all faith / no faith must consist of the safeguarding of all life through the exercise of kindness, compassion, and love. We support those of all faiths / no faith who are engaged in the work of dialogue, cooperation, conciliation, and justice.  We celebrate differences, plurality, and inclusion. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has characterised the rioting as ‘far-right thuggery’ and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has emphasised the necessity for new forms of security for mosques.  We hope that the resources will indeed be available for these words to be backed up by firm action.  We hope, too, that the safety and dignity of those in Afro-Caribbean and African communities will be urgently protected, too, as these have long been targeted by such extremists. Although such racism and antisemitism are ongoing threats, the current riots are especially directed against the safety of Muslim communities.

We are highly aware that the current riots are but one facet of the polarisation encouraged by hate-mongers operating on social media.  Foreign entities, such as the Russian government, are proven perpetrators of nefarious on-line activities designed to destabilise democracy in the UK and other countries.  We urge our government to take much more effective action against all such on-line spreaders of hatred and false conspiracies, including educating the public in critical thinking and enacting stronger criminal legislation coupled with firm enforcement.  If the UK is to sustain democracy and public safety, such measures must be pursued vigorously and consistently.

We wish strength to all who mourn the appalling loss of the three precious young lives in Southport. We wish a rapid and full recovery to all the wounded and, for all who are suffering directly as a result of this vicious act of violence, we cannot begin to imagine the overwhelming grief, pain, and trauma. 

We remain deeply committed to the safety and welfare of those of all faiths / no faith in Brent. There is no excuse for Islamophobia, racism, antisemitism, or any other hate crime. Exacerbating communal tensions will not be tolerated. We stand alongside the Metropolitan Police and Brent Council in urging the immediate reporting of any threatening behaviours.   

   Frank Dabba Smith                                         Mustafa Field                                            Danny Maher

[1] Federico Finchelstein, The Wannabe Fascists: A Guide to Understanding the Greatest Threat to Democracy (Berkeley: University of California Press, 2024), 94-140