The recent anti-immigrant riots in Belfast and Southampton have sent shockwaves far beyond their locations, reaching the heart of Birmingham. As a mixed-race British-Pakistani, I feel the aftershock deeply. These events, though miles away, resonate with every person of colour in Britain.
The Cycle of Fear
Following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa for the murder of Henry Nowak, Southampton became a focal point of discord. In Belfast, protests erupted after a knife attack. Both incidents have been exploited by far-right groups to spread hatred against immigrants and people of colour.
I am sick of the same narrative—fear spreading among communities that simply want to live and work like everyone else. These so-called protests are not protests; they are excuses to breed hatred off the back of tragedy.
Social Media's Role
Social media has a lot to answer for. US Vice President JD Vance blamed the death of Henry Nowak on a 'mass invasion of migrants,' calling for 'righteous anger.' Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has also published inflammatory rants. As the daughter of an immigrant, reading these comments turns my stomach.
Journalists are told to avoid reading comments, but it is hard when hatred saturates social media. This platform amplifies racism, sexism, and division, piercing society deeply.
What This Means for Birmingham
Birmingham is a multicultural city—over 50% of its population is from ethnic minority groups. Immigrants and people of colour form the backbone of our NHS, police, transport, media, and shops. Our diversity is our strength.
From the Balti Triangle to fish and chips, these cultural treasures were brought by those settling into Britain. Politicians must focus on condemning violence itself, regardless of who carries it out. Birmingham once had the highest knife crime rate in England and Wales—165 offenses per 100,000 people between October 2023 and September 2024. Tackling violence should be paramount, but race has become a divisive talking point in horrific situations.
The far-right's hatred must not define us. Birmingham's beauty lies in its diversity, and we must protect it.
