British MPs criticize UK leader’s failure to address anti-Muslim hate in riots

LONDON

Former British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and four fellow independent MPs have sharply criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the government for their handling of recent far-right riots, accusing them of failing to adequately address the anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim sentiments driving the violence.

In a new letter, the MPs expressed disappointment over Starmer’s response to the “far-right thuggery” that has plagued British towns and cities over the past weekend, arguing that it did not sufficiently address the underlying hatred fueling the unrest.

In their letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, they criticized the government’s response for not recognizing the significant role that anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric has played in inciting the riots.

The MPs stressed that references to “understandable fears” in government statements could be interpreted as giving tacit support to those inciting hatred and division.

They highlighted a particular concern over the government’s decision not to engage with the Muslim Council of Britain, the UK’s largest Muslim organization, which they argue would have been inconceivable if another faith community were in the same situation.

“At a time when gangs of violent racist thugs are targeting mosques and asylum centers, it is alarming that the government has no plans to meet with the Muslim Council of Britain,” the letter said. “We find it inconceivable that representatives of any other faith community would be treated in such a manner.”

The independent MPs condemned rhetoric blaming asylum seekers and immigrant communities for broader socioeconomic issues such as austerity and job losses.

They argued that this unfairly scapegoats these communities for systemic issues beyond their control.

In their letter, Corbyn and his colleagues called for an urgent meeting with Cooper to discuss concrete actions to combat the racist violence and terrorism they believe is being fueled by the current political climate. They urged the government to stand firmly against the bigotry and Islamophobia driving the protests and to provide robust support for the victims.

• Jeremy Corbyn
• Keir Starmer
• Labour leader
• UK government