Standing firm in allyship with minority groups and committed to social justice, I am compelled to discuss in urgency and with deep concern, the rise of racism, Islamophobia, and far-right extremism seen across Britain.
It needs to be said that these forces of hate are not abstract; indeed, they are active, they are organised and they are affecting people right here in our North East region.
Over the past five months a weekly far-right demonstration has taken place in the centre of Newcastle outside a hotel which houses asylum seekers; some of the most vulnerable in our society are staying here – families, children, and survivors of war and persecution ho ware trying to rebuild their lives. This has happened in other cities too.
These demonstrations have been organised by groups such as Homeland, an openly fascist organisation and Raise the Colours, a far-right group that in November filmed themselves in Northern France destroying the engines of small boats used by desperate people seeking safety.
But these groups have not gone unchallenged. Each consecutive week Stand Up to Racism, along with members of other anti-racist organisations, trade unionists, students and local residents, have organised counter-demonstrations, standing in solidarity with those who have been oppressed for two, very clear reasons: Firstly, to let the people in the hotel know that they are seen, they are valued, they are welcome and they are not alone; Secondly, to make it absolutely clear that the far right is not welcome – not in our city, not in our region, and not in our country.
This is what solidarity looks like. It is not abstract. It is not theoretical. It is rooted in real people standing shoulder to shoulder against hatred.
As the German philosopher Hegel emphasised, collective action, people working together in practical solidarity is necessary in unifying society and how we make real change.
This rise of the far right does not come out of nowhere. Across Britain, extremist groups are gaining in both confidence and numbers. We have seen groups touring the country spreading division and fear, demanding mass deportations. We have seen political narratives that turn public hardship into blame aimed at migrants, Muslims, refugees, and anyone who can be portrayed as “other.” Online networks spread hatred at a scale we have never seen in Britain before.
Flags
And now, we are seeing something else – something spreading far beyond these protests. Flags are being flown everywhere: in villages, in towns, in cities, all across England. For some, a flag is simply a symbol of pride. But we cannot ignore the context or the timing. Far-right groups are deliberately encouraging the widespread display of these flags right now – using them to shift the atmosphere of the country, to make their politics feel more mainstream, and to mark out space as theirs. And using a common symbol in a turn of meaning.
This is a signal. It feels like a warning. It raises the uncomfortable question “Who is this for and who is this against?”
Flags are being used to claim territory, to intimidate, and to tell certain communities that they are being watched, judged, and pushed out. Flags are being used exactly as tools of exclusion aligned with a growing far-right movement trying to reshape our country in its image.
“It’s all the fault of the immigrants”
All of this is happening against the backdrop of years of austerity. Public services have not just been stripped back – they have been decimated. Families turn to foodbanks. Councils are on the brink of collapse. People are suffering – and into that suffering, the far right steps with a simple lie: “It’s all the fault of the immigrants.”
This lie is dangerous. It is dehumanising. It misleadingly labels migrants, refugees and asylum seekers as one group. And it diverts anger away from the governments and systems that actually caused the suffering in the first place.
Diversity
But I also want to share something from my work that shows a different path – a hopeful one. I am a family therapist in a mental health service for children. A key part of what makes our work strong is the diversity of the team. We bring together people from Pakistan, Lebanon, Peru, Egypt, and other countries across Africa. Different ages, different cultures, different life experiences. And because of that, the ideas are richer, the compassion is deeper, and the solutions are stronger. This diversity brings ideas and answers to the team in a creative, eclectic mix that builds resilience which only has an upward trajectory, building strength from the team which floods into our work, which helps all our young service users.
Difference does not divide us – difference is where our strength grows. We are not strangers to one another we are colleagues, neighbours and fellow human beings striving for a better world.
And yet, we face a real threat. The far right is building power – on the streets, online, and in political spaces. They are attempting to intimidate communities and target the vulnerable. But they will not succeed if we continue to stand together, united in our solidarity and commitment to provide help to those who need us.
Speak out. Show up. Challenge arguments of hate whenever and wherever it appears. Stand in solidarity with those targeted by racism and Islamophobia. Defend the values of fairness, compassion, and dignity so that they define our communities.
Unity is stronger than fear. Solidarity is stronger than hate. Together, we can build a society where everyone belongs – and where the far right has no power.
