A new APPG for a new era of European engagement

A new APPG for a new era of European engagement

Oct 25, 2024 | Bylines, News

The recent change of government offers hope of a new era for UK/EU relations and the launch of a new APPG, writes Bremain Chair Sue Wilson MBE for Yorkshire Bylines. 

When the new Labour government came to power in July, they made the decision not to re-establish the European scrutiny committee. The committee – whose role was to scrutinise new EU laws, schemes and proposals, and the impact they could have on the UK – was now considered surplus to requirements. Thankfully, others had other ideas.

New APPG on Europe

This week a new all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on Europe – co-chaired by Dr Rosenna Allin-Khan MP (Labour) and Lord Kirkhope (Conservative) – met for the first time. The group’s aims are to “discover areas of mutual co-operation and interest” and examine the relationship between the UK and the EU. Whilst they won’t have the authority or status of a parliamentary select committee, they will have a voice, and one that hopefully the government is willing to listen to.

The APPG will meet six times a year, with European Movement UK (EMUK) acting as secretariat. Dr Mike Galsworthy, chair of EMUK said the new group would herald a “fresh new era of European engagement”:

“At European Movement UK, we’re delighted to be the secretariat supporting this important forum. EMUK was founded 75 years ago, in parliament, as cross-party group looking to advance the relationship of the UK with our European neighbours. So, having recently built up our staff team and capacity substantially, coming back to parliament to inaugurate and facilitate this important cross-party parliamentary group feels like both a homecoming and a fresh new era of European engagement.”

Lord Kirkhope said the government’s decision to abolish the European scrutiny committee, and its new approach to UK–EU relations, made the formation of the new APPG “crucial”:

“It will allow us to assess policies as they evolve and apply a positive, pragmatic approach to our relationship with Europe. We’ve bilateral ties with many European countries, but what’s been lacking is a broader, strategic view of our relationship with the EU as a whole. I’m confident this new group will play a key role in offering constructive input and help guide the government and others as we navigate this evolving landscape.”

The role of the APPG

Unlike parliamentary select committees, APPGs have no official status within parliament but are run by and for members of the Commons and Lords and may involve individuals and organisations from outside parliament. The involvement in this case of EMUK will no doubt ensure that the government’s “reset” of UK/EU relations is closely scrutinised, whether the government is in favour of closer examination or not.

Starting in January 2025, the APPG will meet bi-monthly, with each meeting focusing on a different topic. January’s meeting will focus on collecting evidence regarding security and defence. Future meetings will cover other policy areas including science, technology and trade.

“Encouraging sign”

When Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently visited Brussels to meet the council of foreign ministers, Lord Kirkhope said he was “very much encouraged”. Despite the fact that as non-EU members the UK “couldn’t fully participate”, it was a step forward to have been invited at all, and to have attended. Lord Kirkhope described the meeting as an “encouraging sign of a warming of our relationship with the EU” and said “important discussions about the future security of Europe” were being held.

Both the prime minister and the foreign secretary have been keen to point out the improvement in relations with our European counterparts, and the change is most welcome. What is less clear is what the government’s ‘reset’ plan is and how exactly they plan to “make Brexit work”. As Lord Kirkhope said recently, we “still don’t have any clear idea of what their European policy is going to be”. Hopefully, the government knows more than the rest of us.

UK–EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

When the Brexit trade and cooperation agreement (TCA) became effective in May 2021, it was supported by an inter-parliamentary institution – the EU–UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) – brought together from members of the UK parliament and the European parliament. With a new European parliament in place, the PPA has since been reformed on the EU side and a new chair, Sandro Gozi, was appointed on 3 October.

On the British side, no action has been taken as yet to appoint new members or to participate. However, Labour ministers have assured Lord Kirkhope that the government is “going to reappoint” and is going to “participate in this assembly”. With the TCA due for review in 2026, hopefully the government will do so soon.

The UK needs more than a ‘reset’

When Dr Allin-Khan was elected as chair of the APPG, she spoke of how the group would “build a positive relationship with our European counterparts, working on our shared interests and values”. Those are sentiments that even our prime minister and foreign secretary would presumably wholeheartedly support. Where they differ, I suspect, is in their willingness to confront the Brexit elephant in the room and to deal with the very real damage that Brexit continues to cause.

Despite changing public opinion and strong economic evidence, the government seems to think they know better than the financial experts warning of ongoing economic harm. Or they know the truth but are too afraid of the consequences of any remedial actions they might take.

Brexit needs to be scrutinised. From the loss of trade to the loss of rights. From the lack of workers to the lack of global authority. From the cost of food to the cost of inaction. The list is endless.

The launch of the APPG is a welcome move that should help parliamentarians and the public better understand and accept the realities of Brexit and the need for prompt action. For those who already understand Brexit yet do nothing, we can only hope that closer scrutiny will force them to ‘reset’ their own thinking and act accordingly in the interests of the country. Before too much more damage can be done.

 

 

Will the real Keir Starmer please stand up

Will the real Keir Starmer please stand up

Oct 9, 2024 | Bylines, News

In 2020 Starmer outlined a strong case for EU membership, for migration, and for the benefits of mutual freedom of movement – so what’s changed? Bremain Chair Sue Wilson MBE writes for Yorkshire Bylines. 

After 14 years of Tory incompetence, corruption and narcissism, the dawn of a new government this summer was a welcome and overdue relief. Having watched Keir Starmer grow in confidence and gravitas as leader of the opposition, I was delighted when Labour won the election and filled with hope for the future.

I always believed Starmer to be intelligent, principled and open-minded, and was looking forward to his much-publicised programme of ‘change’ and ‘growth’. Surely that would mean the abandonment of Tory austerity, a softer approach towards undocumented immigration and a return to socialist principles.

So far sadly, I haven’t seen any evidence to suggest my earlier optimism was entirely justified.

Achievements worthy of note

Whilst I can’t help but feel disappointed at some of Labour’s early decisions or policies, there is plenty to commend them for, in what is still a relatively short space of time. The early abandonment of the inhumane and costly Rwanda policy was most welcome, as was the swift and effective handling of the race riots.

A number of new bills have been put forward which will no doubt make a huge difference to the people of Britain, assuming, of course, they are passed into law. With Labour’s huge majority, that seems pretty likely. A few bills worthy of note are: renters’ rights, water (special measures), passenger railway services (public ownership) and Great British Energy. Other achievements include the settling of public pay disputes and the commencement of the Covid Corruption Enquiry.

An impressive list, all of which may positively influence Labour’s popularity further down the line, when the results of these efforts can be seen. But, right now, the prime minister, and the Labour Party, are suffering in the polls. As far as the public is concerned, the honeymoon period is over.

Starmer less popular than Sunak

In a poll conducted by Opinium for the Observer before the Labour Party conference, Starmer “has suffered a precipitous fall in his personal ratings since winning the election”. The PM’s personal approval rating plunged below that of former PM Rishi Sunak, dropping by 45 points since July. With 50% of voters disapproving of the job he is doing, and only 24% approving, his net rating is now -26%. Starmer’s fall in popularity has been echoed by a 36% drop in the approval rating of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and a reduction in approval ratings for other senior cabinet figures.

While the public still consider the Tory government most to blame for the challenges the new government is facing, almost half of the public (45%) hold a more negative view of Starmer and Labour since they came into office. Labour may still be ahead of the Tories in the polls on most issues, but on the economy, their 10-point lead versus the opposition has been reduced to just 1 point.

James Crouch, head of policy and public affairs at Opinium said:

“Not only do the public feel worse off than they did before the election but concerns that Labour has focused too much on government finances rather than growth have almost wiped out their lead on the economy.”

A ‘reset’ for EU/UK relations

With economic growth at the heart of Labour’s manifesto, improving relations with our former European trading partners was obviously a good place to start. The optics were good, Starmer was welcomed in Brussels, Paris, Dublin and Berlin, and hopes were high for a new, cooperative and mutually rewarding relationship with the European Union.

Except for a few, not inconsiderable problems. Like Brexit – the perpetual elephant in the room. Most especially, Starmer’s incomprehensible and hugely damaging red lines on rejoining the single market, the customs union, or the EU itself. Then there’s the apparent delusional thinking that cherry-picking a few choice membership benefits would be acceptable to the EU, even as Starmer turns down the EU’s offer of a youth mobility scheme.

Starmer’s recent meeting with EU Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, was much hyped, and not insignificant. However, all that seems to have been achieved is an agreement to meet again next year and a strong reminder of the UK’s existing commitments post-Brexit. As von der Leyen stated, “we should explore the scope for more co-operation while we focus on the full and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the Trade and Co-operation Agreement”.

Will the real Keir Starmer please stand up

The state of the Labour Party before the referendum was a cause of concern for many, whether Labour supporters or not. The leadership of Jeremy Corbyn was particularly worrying to pro-Europeans, but Starmer’s enthusiasm for a second referendum was a bright spark on a dark horizon. As for his arguments in favour of immigration and freedom of movement, they were not only passionate, but compassionate too.

Starmer spoke of the need to make a strong case for migration and for promoting the benefits of mutual freedom of movement. Migrants, he said, must not be scapegoated for political failures such as a lack of jobs or affordable homes.

It was a moving and convincing speech. Watching it again now, it still is, and I believe Starmer meant every word. Which is why I’m left with one question.

Why doesn’t he believe it now?

Bremain in Spain at the National Rejoin March III

Bremain in Spain at the National Rejoin March III

Oct 5, 2024 | Bylines, News

Bremain in Spain members head to London for the third National Rejoin March, bringing the sunshine with us, writes Bremain Treasurer Helen Johnston for Yorkshire Bylines.

After endless days of rain in the UK, on Saturday 28 September the sun shone in London for the third National Rejoin March (NRM), and Bremain in Spain members were there to help remind the new Labour government that Brexit is still a disaster for the UK, and we haven’t gone away.

We joined our fellow marchers in Hyde Park, where crowds of people in blue carrying flags and banners were beginning to assemble. With an estimated 15,000 other marchers (unofficial Met Police liaison team figures) we made our way down Park Lane and Pall Mall, past Tommy Robinson supporters protesting in Trafalgar Square. They were outnumbered by anti-fascist protestors, and many, many times by us – although of course they received more press coverage, as ever!

Our march was peaceful and joyful, as always. Bremain in Spain chair Sue Wilson was among the familiar faces carrying the banner at the front, alongside other speakers including EMUK’s Mike Galsworthy, former Young European of the Year Madeleina Kay and Liz Webster of Save British Farming.

The march paused outside Downing Street for a rousing rendition of Ode to Joy, the EU anthem, and finished in Parliament Square for a rally with music, videos and inspiring speeches.

Inspiring speeches

Green MEP Terry Reintke spoke of the dangers of the rise of the far right and the threat of war from dictators like Putin. “As democracies, we have to work together to defend democracy, to defend a rules-based world. We don’t know what is going to happen in the US in November and that makes it even more important that the European Union and we as European citizens stay a strong voice globally for freedom, for democracy and for human rights.”

Sue Wilson’s speech was warmly received, too. To cheers she announced: “When I first stood on this stage to protest against Brexit in 2017, I said I was a proud European citizen who hoped one day to feel proud to be British once more. I’m not there yet, but I’m closer now than I have been in years, now we’re finally rid of the tainted, toxic Tories.”

Sue spoke about the importance of immigration for the UK, making it the diverse, tolerant country it is today, and providing the backbone to many industries and services. “And it works both ways, or rather it used to… It is thanks to Freedom of Movement that I am a proud immigrant living the dream in Spain, a dream now denied to so many. Brexit didn’t just steal our dreams, it stole our rights, our economic stability and our global standing.”

Sue concluded by calling on the government to go much further than just improving relationships with our European neighbours, if it really wants growth: “We were promised a reset. We were promised change. Well, we’re ready, we’re waiting, and we’re not going anywhere!”

Other speakers included Graham Hughes, host of the popular Politics Social podcast. He was the first person ever to travel to all 193 UN member states without flying. He spoke emotionally about how back then, his red EU British passport was the most powerful in the world, and how it would have allowed him to live, work, love, marry or retire in 27 EU countries. Thanks to Brexit it is worth much less now.

Many of the speakers called on the Labour government to acknowledge the harm done by Brexit and rethink its stance on Europe. Former Labour MEP, Richard Corbett, reminded us that “over 80% of the people in the House of Commons now, voted against Brexit: we’ve got to give them the courage of their own convictions”.

The cost of Brexit

Cecilia Jastrzembska, the president of Young European Movement, said she would like to ask those who still believe Brexit was the right thing for Britain, “If we rejoin today, what Brexit benefit would you miss the most?” Would they miss the benefit of Brexit red tape blocking our artists going on tour? Of trade restrictions suffocating our businesses? Of rising unemployment? The annual £40bn hole in our economy? Or the cost of living/energy/housing/prison crisis seeping into our lives?

Steve Bray also asked: “When Labour talk about this £20 billion black hole that the Tories left us, what about that £40 billion lost every single year, lost tax revenue from leaving the EU?” And Femi Oluwole pointed out that “we know that Brexit is a major drag on our quality of life. All the experts have made that very, very clear to us. And this Government knows that as well. They kind of wrote it into law.

“About a month ago they passed a Fiscal Responsibility Bill which basically means that everything they do has to be judged by the Office of Budgetary Responsibility. So, they can only do things that the [Office for Budgetary Responsibility] says we can afford. Well, the OBR also says that Brexit is costing the economy 4%, an equivalent of £100 billion a year, and £40 billion in tax revenue. So, according to their own laws they have to do everything in their power to essentially undo Brexit.

Media presence

The day was a great opportunity for Bremain in Spain to engage with the Spanish media and raise awareness of how Brexit has affected British citizens with homes in Spain. Sue was quoted in this article in El Mundo, which also features an interview with Bremain in Spain member Trevor Perfect, who flew over from Benidorm to march with us. We were also mentioned in articles in El Correo and by Spanish news agency EFE and I was interviewed by Spanish radio stations RNE and Onda Cero.

After the speeches, we headed to the pub to relax and network with friends and colleagues from the National Rejoin March team, European Movement UK, Grassroots for Europe and the many regional groups who had travelled from all around the UK to be at the march. We all agreed it had been a great success once again, all thanks to Peter Corr and his amazing NRM team, and yes, we will be back!

 

Gen Z overwhelmingly against Brexit

Gen Z overwhelmingly against Brexit

Sep 16, 2024 | Bylines, News

Prominent politicians may still believe in Brexit unicorns – a clear majority of the public, especially Gen Z, do not, writes Bremain Chair Sue Wilson MBE for Yorkshire Bylines. 

The list of damage caused by Brexit is a long one, and one you are probably overly familiar with. Whether it’s the 4% loss of GDP predicted by the Office of Budget Responsibility, the barriers to trade, or the loss of our freedom of movement, or any number of other Brexit-related issues, the impact on the country and its people has been costly and painful.

The public are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of Brexit, and the most obvious solutions. Our government, on the other hand, seems increasingly intransigent on the subject, despite their promises of ‘change’ and a ‘reset’ of EU relations. In the face of public opinion, especially that of Gen Z – those born in the late 1990s, early 2000s – surely the current government stance is unsustainable.

Latest polling results

In the latest poll by Redfield and Wilton, 56% of the British public would vote to rejoin the EU, including 23% of those that originally voted to leave. When the question is asked of 18-24-year-olds – too young to vote in 2016 – the percentage in favour of rejoining rises to 61%. Hardly surprising when the youth of this country compare their rights, freedoms and opportunities to those enjoyed by their European counterparts.

Although the overall percentage of those wishing to rejoin has fallen by 5% since an earlier pre-election poll, the level of support from younger voters, and the not-so-young, cannot be ignored. Especially now that, for the first time, voters believe another referendum is likely in the next 10 years.

The prime minister may still insist that we are not rejoining the single market, the customs union or the EU, but how long can he cling to that irrational and unpopular position, especially if he wants a second term in office?

Falling popularity

Two different polls this week show approval for the government and the prime minister falling in popularity. The first, from YouGov, shows the government approval rating falling to just one in five people, with disapproval at 55%.

The second – a poll by Ipsos – showed a sharp fall in popularity for Keir Starmer, falling to a 46% unfavourability rating (32% favourable), matching the earliest lowest record, following the Hartlepool by-election. Chancellor Rachel Reeves scored 44% unfavourability with 23% in favour, with Labour as a whole on 45% and 36% respectively.

Whilst support for Starmer and Labour was unchanged amongst Labour supporters, non-Labour supporters were less positive. Those less loyal supporters, that Labour worked so hard to persuade pre-election, may not be so easy to convince next time around.

With only 37% of those polled believing Starmer is likely to win the next general election, and 43% saying he is unlikely to do so, surely someone, somewhere in government should be banging a few heads together and stating the bleeding obvious. Brexit doesn’t work, will never work, and we should be saying so right now. Out loud.

As to the future, 55% said the country was moving in the “wrong direction”. No doubt turning to face Europe, with arms and hearts open wide, would be, should be, perceived as the right direction.

 

Ditching the delusions

The majority of British people now believe that Brexit has been a factor – in many cases a significant one – that has affected the economy, business, trade, the NHS, and even threatens the union of our four countries.

Brexit may not be at the top of the public’s list of concerns – like the cost of living, healthcare, or immigration – but it’s almost impossible to ignore how Brexit has impacted those areas. Unless, of course, you are a staunch, delusional Brexiter, or a wilfully oblivious politician, still ignoring the elephant in the room.

Voters were misled, and they know it. Whether it was the blatant lies about funding for the NHS, that immigration would go down, or that we’d have free, cherry-picked access to the single market. Like many of the Brexiters, the public may not have fully – if at all – understood how the EU operates or what huge, cost-effective benefits membership brought. The Tories may still believe in unicorns. The public does not.

Following the election, we celebrated the demise of the Tories and welcomed the new government with feelings of hope and optimism. We tried to be positive because we needed to be, after 14 years of pain and suffering. But that optimism has turned to doom and gloom, and we’re still waiting for the much-hyped ‘change’. Brexit has already defeated several former prime ministers and a political party. If Starmer sticks to his red lines, he, and his party, could be next.

GB News circulates quasi-legal disclaimer following the recent riots

GB News circulates quasi-legal disclaimer following the recent riots

Aug 21, 2024 | Bylines, News

The fact that GB News has published this disclaimer suggests it is well aware it’s under the spotlight for the rioters’ recent behaviour, writes Bremain Chair Sue Wilson MBE for Yorkshire Bylines. 

It may have escaped your attention, but staff at GB ‘News’ are attempting to cover their backs with a quasi-legal disclaimer following the recent riots. Having been accused of incitement, the statement is being circulated on social media, aimed, presumably, at distancing themselves from any past or future blame. The disclaimer – considering the derision it has attracted – is unlikely to have been drafted by a lawyer. Perhaps, with Nigel Farage’s salary of seemingly over £3,000 per hour, expensive legal services are not within the realm of GB News budgets.

The disclaimer – not worth the paper it’s written on

The statement being shared by presenters Dan Wootton, Bev Turner and others reads as follows:

 

“None of the information posted or repeated on this account is known by its author to be false, nor intended to stir racial or any hatred of, nor cause psychological or physical harm to, any person or group of people (howsoever identified).”

Or, in other words, we’re not knowingly lying, nor intentionally inciting racial hatred or harm to anyone, so no harm, no foul, nothing to do with me guv, I just work here. Except that the disclaimer content is meaningless – and as many commentators have pointed out – totally ineffective as a legal strategy.

Author and commentator Edwin Hayward described the statement as the equivalent of driving a car with a large sticker on it saying, “whatever your speed gun reads, it was never my intention to break the limit, so you can’t prosecute me”. Criminal lawyer and author, The Secret Barrister, described the disclaimer as about as useful as a bank robber wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “I am not dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it”.

Who’s to blame for the riots?

While arguments continue about whether or not GB News is actually a news channel – especially in the eyes of broadcasting regulator Ofcom – the organisation itself describes itself on X as a “media and news company”. The fact that it has published the disclaimer suggests it is well aware of being under the spotlight, even if staff accept no responsibility for the behaviour of the rioters.

However, where they themselves might suggest they are blameless, the British public has other ideas. In a recent YouGov poll there was little support for the unrest, the majority saying it was “unjustified” – the instigators were the rioters themselves, social and mainstream media and organised far-right groups.

In polling conducted by Savanta, the finger of blame was more directly pointed, with 51% blaming Reform UK Limited, and its leader Farage in particular. EDL leader Tommy Robinson came a close second, with billionaire owner of X, Elon Musk, in third place.

Farage was particularly criticised for posting a video within hours of the killing of three young girls in Southport, suggesting that “the truth is being withheld from us”. Farage was later forced to admit that he had repeated false claims made on social media by controversial commentator Andrew Tate and others.

Farage himself has not, as yet, posted the disclaimer so favoured by his fellow GB News employees.

Dealing with the damage

Thanks largely to the swift action of the government, the police and the courts, those responsible for the violence, looting and incitement are being brought to justice, or soon will be. But these are not ordinary British citizens protesting over perceived, justifiable grievances – these are criminals, whipped up into a frenzy by those wishing only to cause trouble and division. Not just petty criminals either – around 70% of those recently convicted are career criminals with an average of 15 previous convictions each for weapons possession, violence, drugs and other serious offenses.

Whether it’s due to the threat of custodial sentences, or the presence of the overwhelming support demonstrated by the British public in defence of those being targeted, the thugs have gone quiet, at least for now. The hate and division that was fuelled by Brexit and the far-right has not gone away, but for now the threat of further riots seems to have dissipated.

 

Nothing will change until we defend immigration

Blaming immigrants for the ills of the nation is hardly a new concept, but it’s a dangerous weapon that’s been wielded by fascists and dictators for generations. It has proved a successful tool for stirring up hatred of foreigners amongst those feeling left behind and looking to apportion blame. While the current situation may not be the fault of the current government, it must take responsibility for what happens next.

Labour’s handling of the rioting was welcome, quick and effective, and their rhetoric condemning the behaviour of the rioters was the strongest we’ve heard to date. What is needed now is further strong language in defence of immigration, diversity, and multi-culturalism.

UK businesses have always understood the economic argument for immigration and, since Brexit, public attitudes are “increasingly positive” too – that’s according to the International Organisation for Migration. It’s high time that the new government plays catch-up. The rioters that caused so much damage – and those that egged them on – do not speak for the vast majority of the British public or represent what it means to be British in the 21st century.

In order to prevent a repeat performance of the recent civic upheaval, we must get tougher on the culprits by whatever means necessary. But until we start telling the truth about immigration – that it’s not only economically essential, but also life-affirming and culturally enriching – we are never going to move forward. The UK is, and always has been, a multi-cultural society. Let’s stop apologising for that and start celebrating that fact.

We are many, you are few

We are many, you are few

Aug 7, 2024 | Bylines, News

Multiculturalism and diversity are here to stay – we can defeat the thugs and racists, and those inciting hatred, because we are many, they are few, writes Bremain Chair Sue Wilson MBE for Yorkshire Bylines.

Wherever you look at the moment, you’ll find images of hatred and violence being directed at vulnerable people because of their skin colour or their religion, or both. That vitriol has been whipped up by far-right politicians and the media, for their own political ends, and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Yet amidst all that hate there are stories of humanity, support and kindness – stories of ordinary people sticking together in the darkest of times, helping their local communities regardless of colour or creed. Because it’s the right thing to do.

Not in my name

From Southport to Bristol, Sunderland to Liverpool, and all across the country, the British public are standing up to the racist, rioting thugs. They are helping rebuild damaged property, forming human shields around mosques and providing support to those in need. They are saying, loudly and clearly, that the rioters do not speak for them, or for our once-proud nation. Where rioters’ behaviour has brought widespread shame and condemnation, the actions of good-hearted members of the public have brought renewed feelings of hope, cooperation and pride.

In Bristol, a crowd gathered to defend vulnerable asylum seekers from far-right thugs while chanting “we are many, you are few”. Other crowds in other towns, such as Hull, Hartlepool, Rotherham and Sunderland, have turned out in force to help clean up the mess left by the violent actions of rioters and looters. These selfless acts, in defence of local communities, are being conducted by groups as diverse as the communities they seek to protect. If the rioters were hoping to sow division, they have failed miserably. They may even have helped to strengthen local community bonds.

Individual acts of kindness

Apart from the actions of large or small groups of anti-racist protestors, there are many examples of individuals that have taken a stand or offered a helping hand. From the Reverend Sarah Jones in Cardiff, telling an assembled crowd that “peace and love” would ultimately “win this fight”. Or the Imam from Sunderland handing our burgers and chips to the anti-fascist protestors surrounding his mosque.

On social media too, damnation of terrorist behaviour and defence of multiculturalism has been widespread. One noted defender, who called in to the Shelagh Fogarty show on LBC, was 55-year-old “Darren from Reading”. Darren spoke of the need to “make adjustments” for others from different backgrounds, saying how different cultures, colours and music had “enriched” his life. The problems our country faces, he said, were nothing to do with immigration – despite what the likes of Nigel Farage and Richard Tice may claim.

Echoing the spirit of so many that have stood up to be counted over recent days Darren added, “if you live in my community, you are my people” – a sentiment that the rioters will never understand.

Financial support

One of the buildings that came under attack was Spellow Lane Library Hub in Liverpool, opened just last year as an essential space for the local community. A group of 300 rioters who were, said Merseyside Police, “intent on committing serious violence and disorder”, threw bricks and fireworks at police and the library. Many of the books were damaged and much of the ground floor was destroyed.

A fundraiser was immediately set up by 27-year-old Alex McCormick, with a modest target of £500. Within 48 hours, the Go Fund Me page had raised over £116,000 (and still rising) thanks to the generosity of over 6n000 people, including Nigella Lawson.

Multiculturalism works

What far-right extremists will never accept is that multiculturalism works. It’s not a new phenomenon – our cities, and our country, have benefitted from diversity for decades. Immigration is not a dirty word. It is the backbone of our NHS, our public sector, our industries, our culture. It has made us who we are, and we are all the richer for it.

Those that claim otherwise – whether they believe their own rhetoric or not – have their own divisive agenda. Their actions were ignored – or even encouraged – by former Tory governments. But our new prime minister is different. Condemnation has been swift, arrests are being made, and the guilty rioters will be punished. We can only hope that those inciting their actions will also soon feel the full force of the law, as indicated this morning by Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions.

Images of new battles of hate and violence may continue – hopefully not for long – but the thugs cannot win this war. The new government won’t let them, the police won’t let them, but most importantly of all, the British public won’t let them.

If they try to divide us, we’ll link our arms together. If they come brandishing sticks and stones, we’ll be there with brooms and mops. If they taunt us with hate, we’ll be there with hope.

Whether far-right supporters accept it or not, multiculturalism and diversity are here to stay. We can defeat the thugs and racists, and the politicians and media that whip them up into a frenzy. Because we must. And because we are so much better than that.

We are the many, they are the few.