On behalf of the National Association of Muslim Police (NAMP), the National Black Police Association (NBPA), the National Sikh Police Association UK (NSPAUK), and the Police Pagan Association (PPA) we express our deep concerns following the escalation in acts of violent disorder from across the UK.
We have engaged with our members and communities who have voiced their concerns over recent events. Hatred and racism against Muslims and minority groups has been growing over the years. Misinformation surrounding the attacks in Southport has been the catalyst for the increase in Right-Wing extremism, triggering a significant rise in hate crimes nationwide.
The spread of disinformation online across social media platforms has played a direct role in fuelling the disorder we are witnessing. This has led to the issuing of travel warnings to the UK by several countries, underscoring the severity of this current crisis.
The Terrorism Act 2000 defines terrorism as:
“The use or threat of serious violence against a person or serious damage to property where that action is designed to influence the government or an international governmental organisation or to intimidate the public or a section of the public; and for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.”
The violent crimes being committed have surpassed hate crimes; they are acts driven by co-ordinated extremists, fuelling terrorism. This crisis has affected not only Muslim communities but other minority communities as well.
Many religious establishments, businesses, and homes have been vandalised, looted, or burnt down. Members of the community have been attacked, intimidated with death threats, and many police officers have been injured during the protests and riots. This behaviour is disgraceful and utterly unacceptable.
We welcome the statements from the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and National Police Chiefs’ Council in relation to the incidents that have unfolded over these past few days. This is an unprecedented situation we are finding ourselves in, and it is vital that the UK government and the police service are clear about the severity of this situation and that these crimes will be addressed and dealt with accordingly.
Hatred and racism against Muslim and minority communities have no place in the UK. Strong measures should be put in place to tackle Anti-Muslim hatred. This also extends to the Sikh community who have long suffered from acts of hate crime. Members of the community are often targeted due to their visible identity. Police forces should ensure that they are accurately recording hate crime per religious demographics. This will help to provide more accurate data and improve trust and confidence within our communities.
We urge the public to exercise caution regarding information circulated on social media.
There is a substantial amount of misinformation, and it is vital to think critically and avoid re-acting impulsively and exacerbating a situation. The UK is a multi-cultural society, and there are bound to be differences in thoughts, opinions, and religions. However, it is important that we respect these differences and maintain law and order. The chaos we are currently experiencing doesn’t benefit anyone apart from those seeking to cause disruption and divide our nation. Let us work together to restore peace within our communities.
We encourage members of the public to report any hate incidents via www.report-it.org.uk, www.tellmamauk.org, www.sikhguard.org or in situations where you suspect the planning or preparation of terrorism please report via www.gov.uk/ACT. In a non-emergency please call 101, and in an emergency please call 999.
We will continue to work with fellow staff associations to support our members in this time of need. It has been a challenge for policing as well as those living in the affected areas. We ask for police forces to work with their local networks and to engage with their respective communities.
7 th August 2024