As we approach a weekend when a “far-right rally” is expected to draw significant attention, we are aware that this is a tough time for many partners, and it can be confusing as community leaders to know what we can do or say about it. Therefore we pulled together information from practitioners, researchers and experts to provide you with guidance on how to approach times like these in your communications with communities. We hope their insights are encouraging, and that the actions feel doable for contributing to improvements in our communities, even when it feels like the extremist views are on the rise.
In addition, we recently spoke with partners following the horrific Golders Green attack in a community meeting led by our partner the London Boroughs Faiths Network (LBFN), in partnership with LCEP, called, “Responding to Terror: Community insights” meeting with stakeholders. Participants shared concerns, fears, and ways forward, from which some of the quotes are shared on this page. Only two days after the attacks, 64 colleagues showed up. This is proof that we as communities want to do something. And we can.
The following insights and messages are an amalgamation of thoughts gathered from recent practitioners and researchers in the social cohesion space, meant to encourage thought and action as we find a way to deal with a divided society.
“In challenging times, this is where we need to show the best of our qualities and our solidarity. We need to make sure we actually are really working closely together and making sure that we don’t allow anybody to break our cohesion. We don’t allow anybody to come between us and divide us, because we have enough problems, and the country needs the faith communities and their resources.”
Remember: This Is Not Who We Are
While reports suggest this could be one of the largest far-right demonstrations in UK history, it is critical to understand that this does not represent the wider UK society.
Research, such as a report called “Dissenting Disrupters,” indicates that the amount of people in the UK who participate in ‘racist-led activity’ is a small, one-digit percentage; meaning that the loudest voices may dominate the headlines, but that is not representative of the majority sentiment.
People who have attended self-titled ‘far-right rallies’ are not unified by a single ideology, say practitioners. Rather, ‘they form more of a grievance community’- individuals who feel unheard, disenfranchised or frustrated about a range of issues, such as the cost of living, railway developments, migration, and distrust of institutions.
Equally important: researchers tell us that extremists are not a single, cohesive group. Rather, they are up of fragmented individuals and factions with differing motivations. Speaking as though they are unified can risk amplifying perceived strength and inadvertently legitimising views that are not aligned with UK values.
Experts advise not to speak in ways that further fragment or polarise society. ‘Neutralise hate,’ in other words. Use positive-values language to drown out the negativity that takes over the news. Another effect is that it slowly deflates the momentum of hate-filled messaging, if enough evidence reveals that the majority do not share the same negative views.
Leverage Your role as a Leader
An expert in social cohesion said on a webinar this week: ‘If you are a leader of any kind, the public needs you.’
The recommendation for leaders, and all of us is: Start small, and start local. It is much easier for national efforts to “take hold” if the efforts at the local level have started.
“We all, every single community, we all matter and unless we all stand up together and very openly voice our expressions of whatever we are feeling deep down inside, how it’s not right to have to hide your identity”
Practical steps to take in times like these
Do not engage in amplifying division or repeating hateful narratives even to critique them.
Instead:
- Share stories of community cohesion.
- Highlight acts of kindness, solidarity, and resilience.
- Celebrate what it means to live by British values: respect, fairness, dignity, and inclusion.
- When denouncing hateful activity, do it by explaining the values that our society does value to focus on neutralising the hate-filled action.
This achieves two powerful outcomes:
- It drowns out negativity
- It demonstrates clearly that hate is not the majority view
Your messaging can help take the wind out of extremist narratives. It is more powerful to contrast hate-filled messaging than it is to contradict it.
Language matters, just as our partners from marginalised communities will tell us again and again.
- Avoid framing issues in ways that deepen “us vs them” thinking
- Do not platform or dissect individual hate actions in ways that legitimise hate-filled narratives
- Focus on shared values and shared futures
Practitioners reminded us that hate crimes are extremely under-reported.
You can understand why. It is not easy for someone who has experienced a hate crime to report it. If you know someone who has been a target, talk to them first about finding support for themselves. And if you think they are ready to hear it, talk to them about the possibility of reporting it. If you do, it may help to remind them of the wider society benefits of reporting and how their experience can turn into something positive.
The more data we have to highlight the issues, the more justification decision makers have to officially make changes that will foster a better environment for all of our communities.
Encourage your communities to:
- Report hate crimes and incidents to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)
- Flag online hate speech to MPS because they know it can fuel real-world harm
- Use other trusted organisations to report hate crimes, as well as receive personalised support, from partners such as:
Every report contributes to a clearer picture so that action can be taken.
In moments of tension, misinformation spreads quickly.
Before sharing anything:
- Pause
- Verify
- Fact-check again
Avoid resharing unconfirmed claims or emotionally charged content. Even well-intentioned sharing can amplify fear or falsehoods.
Positive campaigns are developing all around us.
Look into ways to get involved with initiatives such as:
Encourage your communities to sign up and bring communities together.
“We can bring communities together, show solidarity. Last week, I was participating in the Walk of Faith. We saw a great opportunity to bring faith communities together. We need to find opportunities of hope that we are going to work together and we need to build on those.”
Ahead of the weekend or other “loud” extremist events, remember these points
This weekend will bring a lot of noise that you may find disheartening. But remember that it is more important to stay grounded, thoughtful, and consistent.
Small, local actions matter:
- A reassuring message to your community
- A positive story shared online
- Encouraging someone to speak up or report
- Create spaces where people feel heard and valued
- Encourage communities to join hopeful initiatives
Together, we can show what truly represents us.
