The UK is experiencing an eruptions of anti-immigrant and far-right violence the likes of which has not been seen for years. Towns and cities have been overtaken by mobs of often masked men chanting anti-immigrant and xenophobic slogans, attacking hotels housing asylum seekers and mosques, clashing with police and causing widespread destruction.

The riots were fuelled by false rumours on social media about the background of British-born 17-year-old suspect Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, who is accused of killing three children (aged six, seven and nine) and injuring 10 other people in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift event in Southport. The suspect has been labelled as a Muslim asylum seeker who recently arrived in the UK by boat, when in fact he was born in Wales to Rwandan parents.

The false claim was promoted by EDL (English Defence League) founder Tommy Robinson, and the far-right have taken advantage of the stabbing attack to tap into concerns about the scale of immigration in the UK.

BJ Harrington of the National Police Chief’s Council said in a statement on Sunday that 147 people have been arrested since last night in connection with violence and that he expects the number to rise in the coming days.

In the wake of these horrendous events, several artists like KNEECAP, Massive Attack, Paloma Faith, Nova Twins and Nadine Shah have reacted to the riots.

Massive Attack posted a statement on X written by the Runnymede Trust, a race equality think tank: “This violent racism has long been simmering under the surface. What is happening is the direct result of years of normalised racism and Islamophobia, enabled by politicians and the British media. As far-right mobs threaten mosques, intimidate and harass people, and throw Nazi salutes, we offer our utmost solidarity to people of colour, and Muslim communities in particular.”

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— Massive Attack (@MassiveAttackUK) August 4, 2024

KNEECAP responded to the recent anti-immigration demonstration in their native Belfast by posting a quote by civil rights activist Bernadette Devlin, captioning the photo: “And if you know your history…. Smash all fascists”.

 

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Paloma Faith has also added her voice to the criticism. Posting a statement on Instagram, she wrote: “My message to the right-wing idiots ruining our country. As the mother of two half Muslim North African children and as a born and raised resident and proud member of the Hackney community, I stand vehemently against racism of any kind.

 

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A post shared by Paloma Faith (@palomafaith)

“I am proud of a Britain which is diverse, integrated and accepting of all cultures. We cannot scapegoat minorities for this country’s problems when in my experience all they have done is contribute to the rich, diverse culture I grew up in that has shaped the best parts of me and the people I love and adore.”

She concluded by writing: “With all due respect to the right wing fascists, fuck off.”

Meanwhile, British rock duo Nova Twins released a statement, saying they were “sickened by the surge of far-right violence in the UK.”

“These actions distract from the grief and empathy owed to the Southport victims and their families. The heartbreaking incident of violence towards young girls should be met with compassion and solidarity. Instead, we are witnessing brutality that deepens suffering and hatred, with innocent Muslims and people of colour being attacked and beaten, making people afraid to leave their homes. This is pure racism, a disease our country can’t seem to shake.

 

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A post shared by Nova Twins (@novatwinsmusic)

“Anti-immigration thugs shouting Islamophobic slurs and setting cars and buildings on fire – how can we be proud of a country like this?”

They ended their statement by writing: “This cycle of hatred and violence must end. Now is the time to come together, to support our neighbours and community, to safeguard and protect each other, especially those most vulnerable.”

Elsewhere, British singer-songwriter Nadine Shah, who is a Muslim, described scenes of violent riots on the streets of her hometown of Sunderland as “rancid”.

“The scenes from Sunderland last night are rancid,” she wrote. “Love and solidarity to all my brothers and sisters feeling scared and targeted right now.”

 

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“Sunderland is made up of good decent people and we can’t let this hatred fester and grow. SUNLUN,” she added, alongside a photograph of herself standing outside Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

Dublin North Inner City Socialist rep and singer-songwriter Eoghan O Ceannbháin posted a TikTok in response to the riots, saying: "Irish far right uniting with loyalists in Belfast to attack immigrants. It's not just racism that unites them - it's the divide and conquer strategy."

 

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A post shared by Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin (@eoghanoceannabhain)

Reacting to the initial knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed event last Monday, Swift herself responded that the horror of the attack is “washing over me continuously.”

“I’m just completely in shock,” she continued. “The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders."

Axel Muganwa Rudakubana is facing three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

More protests are expected across the UK this week.