Dozens of civil society organizations in the UK have called for an end to the far-right movements organizing anti-migrant protests. Some 200 pro-refugee NGOs and charities signed a letter urging British politicians to put an end to what they described as “malicious movements” and to eliminate the hatred and racism fueling protests against migrants.
The signatories included the “Together with Refugees” campaign, Amnesty International, as well as Care4Calais, Doctors of the World, the Coalition Against Violence Towards Women, and other civil society organizations and coalitions supporting migrants.
These actions come in response to a wave of anti-immigration protests organized by far-right groups in recent weeks. The demonstrations were fueled by right-wing politicians spreading misleading information about migrants, particularly the leader of the Reform Party and the deputy leader of the Conservative Party.
A few days ago, the deputy leader of the Conservative Party alleged that immigration posed a danger to women and girls, claiming that 40% of sexual assaults in London in 2024 were committed by immigrants—a claim that has since been disproven. Similarly, Sarah Bouchon, the sole MP of the Reform Party, asserted that Muslim immigrants threaten women and that asylum seekers arriving through the English Channel bring with them “medieval” ideas.
The anti-refugee protests across the country have been deeply troubling, and the riots that erupted last summer make the situation even more alarming,” read the message from civil society organizations sent to the leaders of the United Kingdom’s main political parties.
The message stressed that the malicious currents spreading hatred and racism, and fueling anti-immigrant protests, are clear evidence of the failure of the system responsible for ending racial discrimination. It added: “We stand in solidarity with those targeted, because they embody the true spirit of our country and reflect our identity.”
The head of the organization Freedom from Torture also called for confronting the hatred spreading through the streets of Britain, fueled by British politicians.
Tim Hilton, head of Refugee Action, said: “The relentless and vicious attacks on asylum seekers by some politicians and media outlets must stop now. They have been using outdated racist slogans and false claims. We need to build on the tremendous public support for refugees that has emerged in the streets and work toward creating genuinely resilient and welcoming communities.”
