Following the far-right violence that occurred across the United Kingdom at the end of July and the beginning of August, the anti-racism campaign group Love Music Hate Racism has released a statement condemning the actions and emphasising music’s power in the battle against such hate. Several prominent artists have signed the open letter, including Fontaines D.C., Nadine Shah and Idles.
The horrifying scenes that engulfed the UK unfolded after the tragic murder of three young children in Southport on July 29th at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. While this could have led to a solemn societal discussion about ending violence against women and a period of mourning for those lost, instead, it was co-opted by the far-right with misinformation about the identity of the attacker.
Following the violence, Far Out shared a response to the far-right hate that consumed the country, calling for a concerted Rock Against Racism 2 to allow the music community to deliver a solid response to the racist violence, and now, Love Music Hate Racism has released its own robust statement.
The letter starts: “Love Music Hate Racism condemns the shocking scenes of far-right violence since the tragic murder of three young children in Southport on 29 July.”
It then claims former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, fuelled the violence by “willfully spreading false information by blaming a Muslim migrant for the Southport attack.” The message then states that the outpouring of hate that spread from the first flare-up in Southport “does not exist in a vacuum”.
In addition to condemning far-right figures, the letter also maintains that politicians and the media must also be accountable for fostering a mainstream political climate that includes Islamophobia and racist discourse. The letter uses the examples of the ‘Stop the Boats’ rhetoric, a general demonisation of asylum seekers, and labelling Muslim communities as ‘extremists’, which have all played a role in normalising the hate of the far-right.
Striking a more positive note, it clarifies: “Yet, where there is racism, there is always resistance to it.” It then outlines the robust response from those in Walthamstow, Bristol and Brighton, with a reported 25,000 taking to the streets in antifascist protests against the violence and to protect the targeted immigration advice centres and solicitors.
The statement explains: “Love Music Hate Racism believes more resistance is needed and that artists have a key role to play in bringing communities together in the current climate. Love Music Hate Racism was founded in 2002 in response to the growth of the Nazi British National Party (BNP). The campaign worked with hundreds of musicians who used their platforms to successfully challenge the fascist threat of the BNP following the proud tradition of Rock Against Racism. Music has the power to spread hope and unite communities against the hatred and division bred by the far-right.”
Echoing Far Out’s piece calling for a united musical response, it concludes: “It is now more important than ever that music is at the heart of a united cultural movement which will ward off the threat of the far-right and strengthen communities damaged by the corrosive effects of racism. Music reflects the beautiful eclectic mix of our communities. Join us in building a movement that celebrates that: Love Music Hate Racism.”
Additionally, the organisation revealed they are currently working on a show which will take place in central London at the start of next month. While no names have been announced for the event thus far, the letter has been signed by artists including Idles, Nova Twins, Fontaines D.C. and Nadine Shah.
Love Music Hate Racism statement signatories:
- Idles
- Enter Shikari
- Nova Twins
- Nubya Garcia
- Nadine Shah
- Fontaines D.C.
- Frank Turner
- Alabaster Deplume
- Silhouettes Project
- Sarathy Korwar
- Asian Dub Foundation
