BREXIT, Racism and Xenophobia

Speakers include :

Chair : Elder Martha Osamor- Black Women and Europe Network

AKALA

Suresh Grover – The Monitoring Group

Professor Gus John – Gus John Associates

Karima Shah (performance poet/activist)

Peter Herbert, Society of Black lawyers

Liz Fekete – Institute of Race Relations

Rotherham 12 Defence Campaign

Stafford Scott – Tottenham Rights

Zita Holbourne – BARAC

Esther Stanford -Xosei

Viv Ahmun – Blacksox

Other contributors to be announced shortly

No person should have been surprised to see the alarming rise of racism and the spread of ‘xenophobia’ across the country so rapidly after the outcome of the Brexit vote. Blaming migrants for poverty, economic disparity, and a possible ‘invasion’ by more migrants became the norm during the debates. The far right seized the initiative and gained votes. It led to the terrible murder of MP, Jo Cox, an unprecedented event in British history.  She was murdered for her political views.

For decades, we have been supporting victims and communities suffering from racism, Islamphobia and hate crimes. Many of us have witnessed a steady increase in violent racism coupled with increasing levels of inequality in our society and we warned of the danger that this situation posed. Unfortunately our warnings went unheard.

Brexit represents a new, unlike any other, dangerous phase for people of colour and migrants in our country.

There is a glaring absence of political leadership in this present crisis. We believe that all of us – Black, Asian and Minority communities together with progressive people – need to develop a new plan and a common strategy to tackle the present surge of rising racism and inequality. Its impact will be long- lasting.

We also implore those who have been victims, in this current surge of racism, to come forward and share experiences in a supportive and safe environment.

Please join us and come to the meeting