Riots

Let's analyse the recent riots again, but this time include the government response, and take some time to avoid a knee-jerk reaction and emotion.

The level of concern about immigration—whether legal (based on visas), irregular (asylum seekers), or illegal (those who disappear into the hidden employment market)—varies among the constituent parts of the United Kingdom.

This concern is generally lower in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, likely due to different immigration patterns and social dynamics in these regions. According to polls, the levels of concern are approximately:

• England: 60%-70% concerned Northern Ireland: 30%-40% concerned 
• Scotland: 40%-50% concerned 
• Wales: 50%-60% concerned 

It’s important to note that this is ‘concern,’ not necessarily the top priority for most people.

When it comes to immigration being the top priority, the numbers fall:

• England: 20%-30% 
• Northern Ireland: 10%-15% 
• Scotland: 10%-20% 
• Wales: 15%-25%

These figures suggest that immigration is primarily, although not exclusively, a significant issue in England. It’s worth noting that extreme nationalism takes different forms across the UK. In Scotland and Wales, nationalist sentiments are often directed at the English, usually within a democratic context. In England, nationalism can sometimes manifest in opposition to those from different ethnic or cultural backgrounds. However, this doesn’t imply that English nationalists were entirely welcoming of European immigrants before Brexit; the level of hostility was generally lower because these immigrants were perceived as culturally similar.

There’s a tendency to frame current issues around skin colour, but it may be more accurate to view them as concerns about differing cultures. Many people who protest against irregular immigration have no problem with figures like Sunak, Patel, or Braverman, despite their ethnic backgrounds. However, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, faces criticism largely because of his Muslim identity, compounded by his political stance on the left.

Whether rooted in genuine fears or exacerbated by populist rhetoric, immigration remains an important issue for a significant portion of the population. The last Conservative government can be accused of leveraging public disquiet over immigration to justify austerity measures. In contrast, parties like Reform Ltd. appear to be inflaming these concerns purely for political gain.

The reasons for concern about immigration are varied. While there is a minority of outright racists or xenophobes, many people who feel marginalised can be persuaded that irregular immigrants are being prioritised over their needs. This segment of the population, likely larger than the inherently racist group, has been left behind by successive governments and is understandably frustrated, though perhaps for misguided reasons.

Even among those who have taken to the streets to defend their communities during unrest, there will be a proportion who are concerned about immigration but are not willing to see their towns damaged or burned by rioters.

Starmer has been commended for his swift action in addressing recent unrest, but there’s a risk he may become complacent, believing he has established a new consensus. However, the underlying issues may not be fully resolved, and the potential for further unrest remains. So long as it does, the far right will capitalise on it.

Have the jail sentences made those who received them changed their minds on racism? Probably not, but a few may be remorseful, especially after having acted on the basis of false information and having seen the public response. Would no jail sentences have changed their minds? Certainly not.

To effectively address concerns about immigration, Starmer needs to consider several strategies:

Resolving the Issue of Irregular Immigration:

The most visible and contentious aspect is the arrival of asylum seekers by boat. Starmer could consider reopening processing centres in other countries, setting a reasonable cap on asylum seekers, and ensuring that those still arriving by boat are classified as economic migrants and deported accordingly. It is crucial that the UK continues to meet its obligations under the Refugee Convention, providing protection to those genuinely fleeing persecution. Additionally, he might declare an amnesty for those already in the UK awaiting decisions, allowing them to work and reducing the financial burden on the state. 

Why he hasn't already done this most obvious action is incomprehensible. Perhaps he's getting the difficult stuff out of the way first and leaving the vote-winning stuff till when it's needed. Strategically valid, but not in the least ethical. He scores nul points from me on this.

Addressing Economic Inequality:

Tackling the root causes of marginalisation requires more than just rhetoric about "levelling up." It demands targeted investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in deprived areas. Economic policies should aim to create good jobs, support small businesses, and ensure that economic growth benefits everyone. While challenging during times of economic hardship, addressing these issues early in his term would be prudent. 

Promoting Community Cohesion:

To counter divisive narratives around immigration, it’s essential to foster integration and mutual understanding. Supporting community projects that bring together people from different backgrounds and promoting a national conversation about the contributions of immigrants to British society would be key steps in this direction. On social media, particularly on platforms like Facebook, there’s a trend of people defending rioters and taking offence at them being labelled as thugs. This mirrors a broader societal debate where criticism is often met with accusations of intolerance.

Regarding Twitter and Elon Musk's inflammatory comments; some defend Musk's utterances as a defence of free speech. However, it's important to consider that Twitter was purchased when it was not profitable, and Musk’s controversial statements to his vast follower base likely generate attention and revenue. Nevertheless, he's walking a fine line between profitability and losing advertisers due to the platform's increasingly toxic environment.

As for claims by figures like Farage about "Two-Tier Policing," the notion can be dispelled with three words: Stop and Search. The 2023 Casey Report on institutional police racism further highlights the complexity of this issue.