By Emma Van Rhee and Freja Love-Edmonds
If we cast our minds back to August, tens of thousands of people across the UK took to the streets to demonstrate against racism and show solidarity with refugees. From London and Bristol to Newcastle and Liverpool, the message was clear: “Refugees are welcome here,” with banners proclaiming “Will trade racists for refugees.” Similar scenes unfolded in Brighton where over 2,000 counter-protesters gathered peacefully. In total, around 25,000 counter-protesters rallied across various cities, uniting against the far-right’s divisive agenda.
The backdrop to these demonstrations was a surge of violence and unrest fueled by false claims from far-right groups. Rumours that the tragic murders of three young girls in Southport were committed by a Muslim asylum seeker stoked rising Islamophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment, leading to attacks on mosques, asylum housing, and other properties, including arson and looting.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these riots didn’t occur in isolation or solely due to the false claims spread online. The unrest is partly rooted in decades of austerity, cuts to public services, and growing inequality, which have long been scapegoated onto asylum seekers and migrants in political discourse. Acknowledging the deeper causes of this sentiment is essential in holding politicians accountable for their role in allowing such unrest to occur. We cannot simply blame extremism without addressing the failures in political leadership.
Despite fears that far-right protests would escalate, what ultimately emerged was a powerful and peaceful response from communities across the UK. This collective action highlighted a widespread commitment to reject hate and embrace inclusivity, offering a hopeful contrast to the violence that initially erupted.
messages of welcome
We invited the public to share messages of “solidarity” online, handwritten by volunteers and delivered to people in initial accommodation hotels nationwide. Within the project's first week, over 2,000 messages were submitted, filled with compassion, love and welcome. The campaign hoped to prove that the racist, far right voices are a minority, the reality being that 80% of the UK public want an asylum system that is compassionate and fair.
During a distribution of the messages of welcome at an initial accommodation hotel in Manchester, asylum seekers repeatedly approached our volunteers to say how much they appreciated them. Most of the recipients took the messages home with them, but there were about 15 left at the end. Three of the men collected the leftover ones, reading them all quietly together. They said how beautiful they were and how special it made them feel. They asked to take the remaining messages home and were excited when we said yes.
The messages, they explained, would be put up on the wall in their hotel to be "looked at each day for motivation, and to feel loved when sometimes we feel lonely".
Naseerah's initial involvement in the campaign began with handwriting some of the messages, much like many others in the COB community offering assistance with logistics as the campaign gained traction.
“The response from the beginning was incredible - we had over a hundred in the first couple of days and within a month, over 2000 messages sent in by members of the public. The responses from people seeking safety who have received some of the messages we've distributed so far show just how important it is to spread these messages of solidarity.
People have mentioned that the messages made them feel less lonely and sad, as well as being motivational for them and making them feel loved.”
Naseerah points out that “It's clear from the volume of messages we received that the majority of the public stand with people who have arrived here seeking safety, and welcome them with open arms.” Several messages were sent from people based overseas, which goes to show that there really is conversation over borders. When asked about her favourite aspects of the initiative, Naseerah finds it difficult to choose just one.
“Whether it’s reading the beautiful messages, connecting with collaborating organisations, or witnessing the uplifting responses from recipients, the entire process has been such a source of joy and hope.”
Despite recent events, the idea that love triumphs over hate is totemic of a wider political message - one of welcome, unity and love. For families arriving in this country, fleeing war and persecution, it can be one of the most frightening and uncertain times in their lives. A message of welcome might be the one thing that brings a smile to someone’s face that day. Everyone deserves to feel welcome and safe.
Solidarity is a verb.
We should be proud of the recent outpouring of support across the UK; it sends a powerful message that compassion and unity outweigh hate and division. While far-right violence has sown fear and discord, the overwhelming response from communities nationwide is further evidence that the majority of the UK public want to welcome people seeking safety in the UK.
We invite and encourage you to write your own uplifting and supportive messages that we can continue to share with the aim to help forcibly displaced people feel welcomed and valued in their new communities. By taking part, you can offer hope, encouragement, and connection to those navigating the challenges of resettlement. Whether you’re writing a heartfelt note or simply spreading awareness about the campaign, your involvement makes a real difference.
You can add your message of welcome to asylum seekers across the UK here:
Kommentit