Hats off to Keir Starmer
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (file photo)
Soon, rumors spread about the suspect, cleverly promoted by influential far-right social media accounts, claiming that it was a Muslim asylum seeker. Violence swept the streets of dozens of British cities in the immediate aftermath, riots at mosques and immigration centers across the UK, and more than 900 people were arrested. They were charged with violence or inciting hatred online. Anyway, fortunately police discovered and issued an announcement about the identity of the suspect , Axel Rudakubana, 17,born in Cardiff to a family from Rwanda, a majority Christian community family.
Riots by the far- right impacted some twenty towns and cities across the UK. Hundreds were arrested and there has been violence against property and buildings, and also against people, particularly Muslims. Everything was a response to the misinformation spread by the far right political groups. The media used different terms for what was happening- extremism, riots, protest etc.
Britain, in particular, has a long and complex history with extremist groups and radical political parties, on both the far-left and the far-right. Perhaps, the most prominent extremist organizations include the UK's British National Party (BNP), led by John Tyndall and then by Nick Griffin; the UK based English Defence League (EDL), an organization founded by former BNP member Tommy Robinson that uses street demonstrations as its main tactic against Muslims; and the British Union of Fascists whose extremist supporters were famously known as the “Blackshirts".
But, ‘Humanists UK’ working since 1896, support lasting change for a better society. They claim their work helps people be happier and more fulfilled, and bring non-religious people together to develop their own views of understanding the world around them. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is considered the world's oldest and the UK's leading defense and security think tank. Their mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate to help build a safer and more stable world.
Though all these arguments are said to be true, the minorities in Britain have been for years feeling their communities are stigmatized as violent. The research by RUSI, on public attitudes, has found that general public is made to perceive that far right violence is the result of stupidity- often those attackers from far-right groups are termed “ mentally ill “ by the legal authorities and police.
This is a deceptive tactic used by the far right groups throughout the world, most often supported by conservative governments. But, Starmer frankly admitted, "We have inherited a black hole, both in the economy and in social issues" referring to the riots that took place in dozens of cities in England and Northern Ireland in early August. He condemned the xenophobic and Islamophobic violence, which particularly targeted hotels where asylum seekers were waiting to get their applications processed. Actually, Humanists UK works for freedom of religion or belief in the UK and the world. They are against anti-Muslim discrimination and incitement to violence. They do not tolerate hatred based on a person's race or religion. Everything should be in line with human rights principles, specifically the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. It includes even the right to change one's religion or belief. Freedom of speech and expression is part of it.
Being opposed to discrimination on grounds of religion, Starmer underscored that victims should be given equal protection and the perpetrators should be tried as per law. British government saw the incitement a threat to civil peace and challenge to their authority. Britain is now living through a new phase. Social changes such as the increase in the number of immigrants, the exit of technology from 'political control' and all the more, the decline in the economic capabilities are challenges faced by the administration. The government tightened control on social media in order to prevent the spread of fake news and fissiparous tendencies.
To be honest, the governments of Western countries were responsible for the spread of the danger of this force and the far-right groups and the violence and terrorism they are practicing in their countries today. They raised and nurtured the far-right groups. Over the past decades, they have been growing, day after day, taking on many forms and consecrating racism in the ugliest forms.
As a result of this, now, we find that the Western civilization is crumbling from within. Its leaders do not realize the extent of their apostasy from all the principles and values known to humanity. It really strips them off the cloak of civilization, even though material development, both scientific and technological, continues in its performance. This is actually the civilizational regression which demands a renewed search for moral principles and values.
When Britain wanted to leave the European Union, its decision-makers said that their country was not like other countries. They claimed that it had a different perspective on immigration and building social peace, that it was a global capital for accepting others of all kinds, and a model in the field of pluralism and civilizational coexistence. However, the recent unrest and what was proclaimed and written by party representatives during the last elections confirm that what is related to the secrets and aspects of immigration is similar to what occurs in other Western European countries and that the problems of social peace are also similar in all these countries. The United States also shows a similar picture. Now, Asian countries,waiting to ape the West, also follow suit.
In civilization, differences are solved through dialogue, not through forceful or violent means. Based on principles of inclusiveness and open dialogues, civilized people consider each other as equals and hence, they always coexist in peace. Such coexistence includes diverse cultures of different religious and cultural groups. Naturally, their patterns of thinking, customary behaviors, cultural assumptions and communicative styles differ. This multicultural society is the result of the modern technological development and advances in communication channels.
Modern man can't live isolated. He has a wider range of international experience. He challenges communication barriers and overcomes misunderstanding. Due to exposure to diverse cultures, he fosters tolerance and enriches his perspective. It promotes a dynamic cultural tapestry, leading to culinary, artistic, and social richness of activities. Unfortunately, we find political outbidding and speculation increase at the expense of immigrants, often confused with terrorism and crime.
That is what happened in England. European countries allocate huge sums of money to combat illegal entry of foreigners. But, according to studies, it affects only 10 percent of illegal immigration, that too due to extending legal entry to illegal residence, may be through administrative loopholes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel is in the right direction. But, though it is lawful and non-political, it drew criticism. "We are a state that complies with international law", Starmer said in response to a question from opposition leader and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed his “deep disappointment" at the decision and it was criticized by the Israeli government, members of the British Jewish community and the Conservative opposition. But, Starmer remarked that it was a clear legal conclusion. Fake leadership, pseudo political influence, lack of cultural assimilation and impotency of social institutions are always behind social disruptions. It is our duty to be on vigil, as responsible citizens of the democratic nations, to promote peace and coexistence.
