THE PARADE OF RIOTS

In August, a series of civil disturbances swept across the United Kingdom. The riots were directed against migrants and simultaneously against local police, who were accused of inaction that allegedly led to an increase in crimes committed by migrants from Africa and the Middle East. The unrest was characterised by attacks on hotels, mosques and shops, arson of vehicles and rubbish bins, and mass confrontations with the police. The demonstrators, many of whom were masked, hurled insults at Muslims and migrants, chanted "England," threw stones, and set off flares and fireworks. The primary hashtag used to disseminate information about the riots was #EnoughIsEnough.

Massacre As a Catalyst

The incident gave rise to a wide range of assessments. Some commentators characterised the participants as 'ultra-right-wingers', while others expressed support for their actions. Some experts have identified economic factors as a potential contributing cause of the unrest. The notion of multiculturalism was a prominent topic of discussion, with almost all commentators offering their analysis on its apparent demise. 

The initial catalyst for the riots was the heinous murder of children in Southport, situated in the vicinity of Liverpool. The victims were nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar, six-year-old Bebe King, and seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe. They were killed by a kitchen knife wielded by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, a British citizen from Lancashire born to immigrant parents from Rwanda, who gained access to a dance school classroom by breaking in. Additionally, eight other children and two adults sustained injuries. As soon as news of this tragedy became widely publicised, people began gathering at the scene, and the act of mourning quickly transformed into mass protests. The unrest subsequently spread from Liverpool to Bristol, Manchester, and other cities in England, eventually reaching Belfast in Northern Ireland. 

The impetus for the protests was the initial decision of the authorities to withhold the identity of the perpetrator, which was perceived as a potential catalyst for an increase in nationalism and aggression towards migrants, Muslims, and individuals of African descent. Nonetheless, demonstrators viewed this as a further illustration of the authorities' double standards, suggesting that they were more concerned about potential unrest from newcomers than about provoking a backlash from the indigenous population. It was subsequently established that Rudakubana is a British citizen and a Christian. Nevertheless, this revelation was insufficient to deter those who took to the streets with anti-migrant and anti-Islamic slogans. 

Hash Reaction From the Authorities

The crisis presented the first test for the Labour government. The new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, responded promptly to the situation, stating that the protests were not legitimate and that they were in fact the actions of a 'far-right thuggery'. He further asserted that anyone participating in the protests, either directly or online, would face consequences. "It is imperative that people in this country feel safe. However, we have witnessed a plethora of incidents that have eroded this sense of security. These include attacks on Muslim communities and mosques, harassment of other minorities, the display of Nazi salutes on the streets, assaults on police, and gratuitous violence accompanied by racist rhetoric. The head of the British government described the incident as "extreme right-wing thuggery." 

Lord Chancellor and newly appointed Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood emphasised that all individuals who violate the law will be held accountable and will "join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by the police." Additionally, Home Office Minister Yvette Cooper asserted that the actions of these protesters did not align with the values and norms of the UK, and that police officers were entitled to take the most robust measures against those engaging in unlawful activities. The "war on the streets" only ceased after the government initiated strict detentions and show trials. 

It is noteworthy that those condemning the unrest have identified figures such as Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage as the instigators of the protests. In the most recent election, Farage was successful in securing a seat in Parliament, accompanied by four colleagues from his newly-established Reform UK party. He has positioned himself as a representative of the interests of the general public while advocating for a significant reduction in the number of migrants. Tommy Robinson (born Stephen Yaxley Lennon) is a controversial figure. He is a right-wing activist and founder of the far-right English Defence League (now officially dissolved), and he primarily shares his views through social media, where he has amassed a considerable following. 

It is noteworthy that the authorities have also reached conclusions regarding the influence of social media on the organisation of the riots, particularly with regard to the dissemination of misinformation. Speculation has also been expressed regarding the potential involvement of Russian resources in the dissemination of disinformation that contributed to the intensification of the protests. However, this hypothesis has yet to be corroborated by tangible evidence.

The Problem of Migration

Historically, there have been instances of interethnic violence in Britain motivated by hatred. It is pertinent to recall the mass anti-migrant riots that occurred in 2013 in the wake of the murder of a British soldier in London by two black soldiers. The issue of migration in Britain is undoubtedly a pressing one, yet it has yet to be addressed in an effective manner. 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that migration levels have reached unprecedented heights over the past two years. There was a 500 percent increase in the number of individuals attempting to cross by boat from continental Europe to British territory between 2021 and 2023. The majority of these migrants are young men, frequently accompanied by their families. It is evident that a considerable proportion of these individuals have no intention or desire to fully integrate into British society. Instead, it is probable that they will become part of ethnic enclaves. Rather than aspiring to become model citizens of Britain, these individuals seek refuge from harsh realities in their home countries. 

It is evident that such a large influx of people requires a range of social services, including housing, education, access to healthcare, employment opportunities and benefits. The provision of these services places considerable strain on public resources. This phenomenon occurs against a backdrop of financial instability among native Britons, particularly in light of the repercussions of Brexit and the global pandemic of 2020. Furthermore, migrants do not tend to settle in affluent areas, but rather in proximity to those who are already experiencing difficulties related to employment, housing, healthcare access, and the quality of education. This context gives rise to inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflict. 

It should be noted that not all migrants rely exclusively on benefits or occupy low-paying jobs. Many pursue education and subsequently secure well-paying positions. However, this phenomenon also has a detrimental impact on the native British population. As previously stated, the British economy is becoming increasingly reliant on migrant labour, particularly within the nursing sector. The National Health Service (NHS) would be unable to function effectively without the input of visiting nurses and doctors.

The island status of Britain allows for more efficient border control; however, the conditions in this country are not significantly different from those in France or Germany. Indeed, comparable scenarios are unfolding across Europe, from Greece to Portugal. Periodically, reports emerge concerning elevated rates of criminal activity or discord between established migrant communities (e.g., those from Chechnya or Türkiye) and newer arrivals (from Syria, Afghanistan, or various African nations). This often gives rise to discontent among local populations.

"We Want Our Country Back"

What is the optimal subsequent action? Such circumstances obfuscate claims regarding inter-ethnic stability and social unity, which are foundational elements for any state. In recent protests in the UK, demonstrators chanted, "We want our country back." However, it is pertinent to question whether this demand is a realistic one. The England that they yearn for no longer exists and, given the prevailing circumstances, is unlikely to do so in the near future. It is imperative to acknowledge and accommodate this reality. Europe has reached a point of stability, and Britain has established itself as a nation within that context. This transformation is not merely the result of external factors; rather, it represents a conscious decision made by recent European governments. Despite the fact that nearly every political force seeking power in European countries promises to reduce migrant numbers during election campaigns, these pledges seldom materialise. The current Labour government, under the leadership of Keir Starmer, has pledged to increase the deportation of illegal migrants to the highest levels since 2018 within a six-month period. It is unclear whether this will prove an effective solution to the problem, as is the likelihood of Starmer's team fulfilling their promises.

It seems probable that a similar occurrence in the UK in early August will recur, not only in that country but in other states as well. A multicultural society comprising numerous diverse migrant communities represents a vulnerable link within the structure of any state. This vulnerability can be exploited for the purposes of internal conflict and at the behest of external forces. Although the probability of a civil war breaking out in Britain is low, as forecast by the renowned entrepreneur Elon Musk, it is a scenario that merits serious reflection.