More than 50 people from across Bradford district gathered to discuss collective support for communities amidst the rising terror and Islamophobia witnessed on UK streets. The meeting, convened by the Race Equality Network (REN) in Bradford, provided a platform for over 80 member organisations and local community leaders to voice concerns and explore solutions.
The well-received meeting allowed participants to discuss pressing issues and share strategies to alleviate these concerns within their communities and services. Key discussions during the hour-long meeting included:
1. Community Fear: There is heightened fear, particularly within the Muslim community, due to circulating messages on social media and WhatsApp groups about far- right groups potentially coming to Bradford.
2. Operational Challenges for Community Centres: Despite the tense atmosphere, community centres continue their operations but face significant challenges. Some have cancelled holiday activities and trips outside Bradford due to safety concerns.
3. Need for Consistent Messaging: Attendees emphasised the need for clear and consistent messages from the police and council to counteract the misinformation spreading on social media.
4. Police Support for Asylum Seekers: Questions were raised about the police’s role in supporting asylum seekers residing in hotels and shared accommodations across the district. Concerns were also voiced about the fear of contacting police and council for support due to potential repercussions.
5. Guidance on Far-Right Groups: There was a call for clear guidance from the police and council on plans to keep communities safe if far-right groups enter Bradford in the coming days or weeks.
6. Trust Issues with Police: Concerns about trust, especially among young people, were highlighted. Past incidents such as the Bradford riots, where minors received harsh sentences, have eroded trust in the police. Attendees questioned how the police can rebuild this trust, especially now.
7. Faith Communities’ Role: The importance of faith communities uniting to support local residents and present a united front was stressed.
8. Strategy for Handling Crime and Disorder: Attendees requested a clear strategy from the police and council on handling crime, disorder, and potential riots. They emphasised the need for a centralised source for fact-checking and verifying social media messages to provide the latest updates.
In response to these concerns, REN is working closely with the local authority, the police and Council for Mosques to ensure clear communication and effective strategies are in place to protect and support the community. The police have set up a virtual Community Hub to collate information from communities and provide daily update meetings for partners to come together to report tensions, engagement and potential emerging issues.
Humma Nizami, REN Executive Director said: “What we have seen unfolding on our streets across the country is outright racism, Islamophobia and hatred. There has been widespread fear amongst communities in Bradford district since the riots, therefore I felt it was vital for us to set up a reassurance meeting for our members and partners who provide frontline support to ethnically diverse communities.
“The REN staff team are working closely with key partners including the council, police and Council for Mosques to ensure we dispel any misinformation circulating on social media which we know can spread like wildfire and create further anxiety and fear amongst communities and we have advised communities to not share such messages until we have verified these via the police. REN have produced some safety guidance for communities and are committed to working collaboratively with our members, community leaders and to alleviate community concerns and fear of the far right entering our district”.
REN will continue with weekly meetings which is one of many across Bradford and the country that has underscored the importance of unity and vigilance in these challenging times, with community leaders committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all residents.
Residents who wish to share information in relation to riots or related incidents, can do so by feeding into the hub via A/Insp Toby Newton-Day: tobias.newton-day@westyorkshire.police.uk. Please note this is not a mechanism to report crime or anti-social behaviour, this needs to be done by the normal channels such as WYP online or calling 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 if a crime in action.
