How to help communities and be an ally as riots sweep the UK

The UK has seen a wave of horrific violence across the country, with racism having fuelled rioters who have attacked people of colour, targeted homes and retail outlets and, in one incident, set a hotel housing asylum seekers ablaze.

With ongoing headlines describing the attacks, paired with the swell of disinformation on social media, we can be left feeling anxious and powerless at the sheer enormity of the situation. But however fearful we may be, there are ways we can exert our privilege in order to support those around us who may feel more at risk and unsafe in this ongoing climate of uncertainty.

Harper’s Bazaar spoke to leading anti-racism charities in how to best demonstrate allyship in the face of these trying times.

How can I be an ally?

The ongoing civil unrest was sparked following the murders of three girls in Stockport last month, after 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana targeted a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

Before Rudakubana’s name was confirmed, a swell of false information was posted online and was repeatedly pushed by members of the far right, which wrongly identified another individual, or claimed that Rudakubana was an asylum seeker.

“Since the attack, misinformation has spread like wildfire online, feeding unverified narratives about the culprit, their background and their motivations,” Joe Mulhall, director of research at anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate, said in a statement. “We saw the consequences of far right antagonisation, with groups of protestors attacking police with fireworks and rocks as well as taking part in Islamophobic chanting.

“There are many who have sought to frame this week of far-right riots as outpourings of legitimate anger. They are not. This is racist violence spurred on by far-right hatred. Those directly involved in these horrifying scenes need to face the full force of the law.

“However, these events are also the result of a climate of anti-Muslim and anti-asylum seeker hostility stoked by elements of our media and supposedly mainstream politicians.

“They are also a reminder of the abject failings of social media companies to deal with misinformation and far-right organising on their platforms, and how irresponsible decisions by owners like Elon Musk are having a dangerous effect on our streets and across our communities.”

Mulhall has also urged for a stronger government response in the wake of the ongoing violence.

“Community cohesion and resilience has been downgraded over a number of years as a consequence of spending cuts and the depriortisation of this area under Michael Gove,” he said. “It is imperative that the new Government develops a new strategy that supports stronger communities and sets out how to respond to incidents like these.”

There are ways that citizens can lobby pressure on current sitting MPs to try and tackle the issue at hand. Hope Not Hate has issued a template for people to email their MPs, to encourage them to speak out against far-right rhetoric.

The charity is also offering a place for people who may have any information on those who may have been involved on the riots. If you do have any information or photos that may be helpful, you can reach out to rightresponse@hopenothate.org.uk

Elsewhere, the Stand Against Racism and Inequality charity (SARI), has issued guidance on those looking to respond to the ongoing violence. The Avon and Somerset-based charity has worked alongside Bristol Hate Crime & Discrimination Services (BHCDS) to provide a comprehensive checklist detailing what to do if you witness, or are a victim of, a hate crime.

“Even seemingly minor incidents can have a profound and lasting impact,” a statement from SARI reads. “If left unchecked, these situations can escalate.

“It’s essential to report all hate-motivated incidents, regardless of the offender’s circumstances, such as being under the influence or having mental health issues. There is no justification for hate-related abuse.”

SARI’s guidance includes taking note of the time and place of the incident, as well as descriptions of the offenders, to help aid any further investigations. If safe, it’s always best to film the incident, as “footage can provide crucial evidence for police or other relevant authorities”.

SARI also urges people to “be safe” as the riots have swelled to violent outbursts. “Your safety is paramount. Do not take actions that may endanger you or others. If it is safe to do so, speak out or record the incident, then report it as soon as possible. In emergencies, call the police immediately.”

If you have money to spare and want to support communities that have been left destroyed by the riots, you can also donate to the British Red Cross. The charity is the UK’s largest independent provider of services for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants classed as vulnerable.

In a statement, Béatrice Butsana-Sita, British Red Cross CEO, said of the ongoing unrest: “The violence we have witnessed over recent days, often targeted at those who are most in need of protection, is deeply upsetting. The British Red Cross rejects racism, violence and discrimination of any kind.

“Many people going about their daily lives and work have been affected. Our teams across the country are hearing from people who are anxious and worried for their families.

“We have also seen people coming together to help each other. In times of crisis, we always see more unity than division.

“It’s heartening to see people from all ages and backgrounds working together to take care of their neighbours and each other.”

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