The Right Wing is marching in a circle again

 The Right Wing is marching in a circle again

 

People often ask me if I am unduly concerned about the 'rise of REFORM'.  The so-called political powerhouse that is sweeping the nation of my birth.  I am confident that, in a mixed-heritage family that is now in its third and fourth generations, it is important to remain calm while remaining vigilant.  My generation was definitely too passive.  I had started secondary school before legislation with teeth meant I could not be racially abused with impunity.

Reform is not a new political powerhouse. It is just the latest in a cycle of hardcore xenophobes and racists. Together with some elements of the media, they pander to the base instincts of a vocal minority. This is because of a complex social, political and historical backdrop.

• Historical Legacies: The UK's colonial history and debates over immigration have created a backdrop where racist and xenophobic attitudes have been able to persist in certain segments of society and within institutions.

• Media Influence: Certain sections of the UK press have been frequently criticised by organisations like Hacked Off and Stop Funding Hate for running headlines and stories that are seen as stoking resentment against immigrants and minority groups. Right wing commentariate try to normalise xenophobic discourse, as free speech. Choosing to believe that they speak for a large silent majority, because of polls.  They then walk back forecasts and wild predictions when they fail to take power.  It is the system! It is a fix! It is the establishment!

• Political Pandering: It is argued that some right-wing parties, and factions within larger parties like the Conservatives, have at times adopted rhetoric and policies on immigration and national identity that are designed to appeal to voters with xenophobic concerns. The use of slogans like "Breaking Point" during the Brexit referendum campaign is often cited as a prime example. Even the current Prime Minister has hinted at a tougher stance regarding immigration in language unhelpful to those who disagree with anti-immigration rhetoric. Aside from REFORM, Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Rupert Lowe are prime examples of the behavior.

• Institutional Failures: Reports such as the 1999 Macpherson Inquiry into the murder of Stephen Lawrence, which found the Metropolitan Police to be "institutionally racist," and the more recent 2021 Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities (Sewell Report), which was itself highly controversial, highlight deep-seated and ongoing issues within British institutions.

However, provided the UK uses the tools at its disposal,  this cycle of populism will falter as did Enoch Powell, BNF, NF, EDL, UKIP, and the like.

1. Strong Legal Framework: The UK has some of the most comprehensive hate speech and hate crime legislation in the democratic world. The laws against incitement to racial hatred and racially aggravated crimes are robust and actively enforced, with thousands of prosecutions each year. It is a framework constantly attacked by some in the media.
2. Political and Social Condemnation: Racist language and actions are overwhelmingly condemned across the political spectrum and by the vast majority of the public. Political figures accused of racism often face intense media scrutiny and public backlash.
3.  Proactive Institutions: Bodies like the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have dedicated hate crime units and a published policy for the vigorous prosecution of these offences. The existence of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is another example of an institutional effort to combat discrimination.
4.  Public Attitudes: While problems undoubtedly exist, surveys like the British Social Attitudes survey have often shown a long-term trend towards greater social liberalism and increasingly tolerant attitudes on race and ethnicity among the British public. This is not news for propaganda outlets like GB News or parties relying on grievance like REFORM.

Conclusion

Currently,  there are between 9,000 and 10,000 successful convictions for racially aggravated crimes each year in England and Wales . Yes, we are in another cycle of  heightened toxic social and political discourse. Social media amplifies this. Yes, there is undeniable evidence of persistent racism, media sensationalism, and political tactics that exploit xenophobic sentiments.

However,  the UK has established a strong legal framework to combat race hate, which is actively used. The gap often cited by activists and academics is not necessarily the laws themselves, but their consistent application, the effectiveness of policing, and the tackling of deep-rooted institutional and societal biases. This country  is one that continues to grapple openly and often fiercely with its relationship with race, racism, and national identity.