What’s been driving the far-right riots?

The UK has been shaken by recent far-right riots. We’re utterly appalled by these abhorrent ‘demonstrations’, and stand in full solidarity with displaced people, Muslims, and other minorities who have been the victims of this shameful violence.

While we hope that the nationwide counter-protests will prove to be a turning point, it’s important to ask – what’s been driving these violent events? Misinformation has been blamed by many, but there’s far more to it than that.

Misinformation and social media

There’s no doubt that misinformation played a role in the initial ‘demonstrations’. False reports that the Southport perpetrator was an asylum seeker who had recently arrived on a small boat, or was a Muslim, spread rapidly.

These rumours were shared by figures like Andrew Tate. Misinformation remains prevalent, with the myth of ‘two-tier’ policing shared unchecked on many sites. X owner Elon Musk has repeatedly been posting and highlighting far-right false narratives.

But while misinformation has been abused by far-right groups and figures like Tommy Robinson, it’s not the only factor.

The role of ‘mainstream’ narratives

We have to be clear: these riots aren’t occurring in a vacuum. Years of politicians and press dehumanising and demonising refugees has enabled an atmosphere of division and fear.

And when governments use language like ‘invasions’, or present legal professionals as ‘lefty lawyers’, they normalise hateful, divisive rhetoric – and an environment where violent action is easy to incite.

Even in the last week, amidst spiralling violence, we’ve seen Members of Parliament use dangerous conspiratorial language, asking ‘whether the truth is being withheld from us’.

‘Legitimate concerns’

We also must reject the idea that these riots represent ‘legitimate concerns’.

Mobs shouting “burn it” and “set it on fire” at a hotel housing people seeking asylums. Minorities assaulted on the streets. Mosques attacked by rioters. These events are nothing more than racist far-right thuggery.

So the response cannot be a pandering to far-right talking points. Instead, we need government which moves the narrative, representing the compassionate approach this country wants.

Antisemitic conspiracy theories

We’re now seeing a worrying trend linking the violence to antisemitic conspiracy theories.

Social media platforms are awash with dangerous ‘Great Replacement’ theories linked to Jewish organisations. Ironically, counter-protesters also play into antisemitic tropes by falsely claiming that the far-right are coordinated or funded by Israel.

As an organisation led by Jewish values and experience, we know where such rhetoric can lead – and the importance of standing against it.

What’s the answer?

In the short-term, we need to see continued support for communities across the country. It’s right that those perpertrating unrest will face swift justice.

Further pressure must also be placed on social media channels, where violence is being instigated, and hateful narratives are all too common.

Looking further ahead, we need more work on social cohesion – and for our press and politicians not to get drawn into far-right talking points. Instead, they must challenge racism, Islamophobia and anti-migrant sentiment wherever they’re found.