In recent days, towns and cities across the UK have been beset by violence from far-right agitators.

The first riot took place in Southport on July 30, the day after several people – mainly children – were stabbed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class. Tragically, three young girls died of their injuries, while eight other children and two adults were wounded.

Shortly after the attack, disinformation began circulating on social media surrounding the attacker’s identity. While the suspect, who has been identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, false claims spread online that he was an illegal migrant called Ali Al-Shakati, with far-right extremists urging people on social media to take to the streets. In total, over 200 rioters descended on Southport – with some travelling to the town from elsewhere in Britain – targeting a mosque, attacking police, and torching parked vehicles. 

Since July 30, violence spurred on by the far-right has spread to other parts of the country. On Friday night (August 2), rioters set fires and attacked officers in Sunderland, while on Saturday (August 3) violence broke out in cities including Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Liverpool, and Belfast. On Sunday (August 4), far-right groups targeted hotels housing refugees and asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence in an address on Sunday night (August 4), stressing that participants should expect to face the full force of the law. “This is not protest, it is organised, violent, thuggery, and it has no place in our streets or online,” he said.

It’s difficult to know how to respond to racism-fuelled violence like this – especially if you’re someone who feels targeted by these attacks. Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources and ideas for what you can do to help combat the rise of the far-right in the UK – and also suggestions for ways in which you can look after yourself during this bleak time.

DONATE

You can donate to charities created to combat racism and hate, such as Hope Not Hate UK or Exit Hate.

Stand Up to Racism UK have also organised an emergency fundraiser in the wake of the violence. “Stand Up to Racism has been countering the far right by organising protests, events, and creating materials to oppose racism and division, and promote unity. Our efforts are focused on bringing communities together and standing strong against intolerance,” their GoFundMe description reads.

Plus, as much of the recent violence has been targeted at asylum seekers and refugees, it’s worth considering donating to an organisation such as Migrants Organise, Migrant Voice, Refugee Action, or Care4Calais.

Communities up and down the country have been impacted by the disorder, and some local people have set up fundraisers in order to help repair damage inflicted by far-right thugs. One GoFundMe has been set up to help repair Liverpool’s Spellow Lane Library Hub, which also serves as a food bank, after it was engulfed in flames on Saturday. A separate GoFundMe is seeking donations for a number of cafés in Belfast who were targeted by rioters. 

PROTEST

Stand Up to Racism UK have called for a national day of protest on August 10. “This Saturday, we’re calling for mass anti-racist resistance in every town and city to push back the fascists,” they wrote in an Instagram post. “If there’s a far-right demo in your area, call the counter. If not, call a protest to say they’re never welcome.”

If you need a refresher on what your rights are as a protestor, Liberty, a human rights advocacy group, have downloadable and printable bust cards available on their website (here). The cards have been created in collaboration with Migrants Organise and Black Protest Legal Support for racialised and migrant protesters and organisers, so that they can be informed and empowered to exercise their legal rights to protest against state racism and the Hostile Environment as safely as possible.

While it’s vital not to let racism and hate go unchallenged, it’s important to note here that it’s OK if you feel unable to attend a protest out of a legitimate fear for your own safety or wellbeing – especially if you’re a person of colour.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF, AND CHECK IN ON YOUR FRIENDS

As aforementioned, this is an incredibly trying time for marginalised people in the UK. In light of this, it’s important to make sure that you look after your own wellbeing: Healing Justice London has helpful resources available to peruse on their website. Similarly, if you have friends who you think may feel unsafe or upset by how disturbing this news cycle is, check in on them: an increased sense of love, care and solidarity can really make a difference at this time.