Far right activist Tommy Robinson has been attempting to gather support from different religious communities in a bid to further his anti – Muslim agenda according to the i Newspaper.
Using the slogan, “UK against hate” he allegedly planned to unite various faiths and communities together in his fight against Islam.
This tactic, although gaining traction in some quarters, has alarmed community leaders from across many different faiths – and they have spoken out in unity against hatred and division.
Communities from across different beliefs, including the Hindu, Sikh and Jewish faiths have rejected this as a classic attempt to employ a, ‘divide and rule’ tactic, and have stated that these politics go against the core values of their religious beliefs.
They have spoken out, voicing concerns that this moves to exploit religious tensions for political gain could undermine the harmony and respect amongst different religious communities in the UK, and lead to violence.
With the recent spate of violent far right protests across the UK, including attacks on hotels housing immigrants, and protests outside Mosques, it would seem that their concerns have been proven.
Rabbi Laura Janner- Klausner, a part of Bromley Reform Synagogue, is a regular national broadcaster who has taken part in BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ programme and is an inclusion and development coach. She commented: “Robinson’s attempts to align with the Jewish community are misguided. Our values are rooted in fighting all forms of hate, and his divisive tactics have no place here.”
Bhai Amrik Singh is a key member of the Sikh Federation UK. The Federation was established in 2003 with the aim of giving the Sikh community a political voice. He stated his position on the issue: “The Sikh community should not be used to further an anti – Muslim agenda. Our principles are based on equality and respect for all, and we reject any attempts to divide us.”
His views were also supported by Balwinder Rana, founder of the organisation, ‘Sikhs against the EDL: “People like Tommy Robinson only want to use the divide and rule tactic to turn Sikhs against Muslims.”
The Hindu community has also joined the call for unity in the face of the far right. Hindus for Human Rights, an organisation which campaigns for standing against hate to build a better future commented: “We call on our public figures to condemn this exclusionary hate politics and support efforts to unite rather than divide.”
So how has Mr Robinson been attempting to reach out to different communities to fight Islam? Despite the widespread opposition to his divisive politics, Mr Robinson continues to grow as a political force.
He has utilised social media in particular, including regular posts on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, sharing videos and posts aimed at resonating with individuals and communities.
In a recent post on the Twitter / X platform, he stated: “We will never allow Sikh or Hindu communities to be demonised in the UK. They contribute and integrate, do not allow your frustrations with our open borders to end up in hostility to those who have embraced our nation. Close the border and stop Islam.”
He has also been using direct engagement tactics, attending events and attempting to share and highlight concerns about Islamic extremism.
He has further invited members of different religions to attend and participate in his many rallies – an attempt to portray unity with his narrative of a ‘common threat’ (Islam)
However, despite his determined and sophisticated use of both media and outreach, it would appear that community and religious leaders are coming together not to condemn Islam, but to advocate understanding and promote peaceful dialogue instead.
Many Muslims in the UK have also responded peacefully, trying to build bridges rather than burn them.
An example of this is the invitation of many Islamic leaders, even at the height of the recent rioting, for far-right protestors to come to their places of worship to share food and talk peacefully about their grievances.
Just as Kier Starmer mentioned in his recent speech to the nation, often of violence and unrest can actually show how many ordinary people, regardless of cultural or religious differences, wish to pull together to untie communities instead of turning to the politics of hatred and prejudice.
