Massive Attack and Nova Twins respond to far-right riots across the UK: ‘This is pure racism’
"This is pure racism, a disease our country can’t seem to shake."
By Nick Reilly
The likes of Massive Attack and Nova Twins have led the musical world’s condemnation of the far-right riots that have emerged across the UK in the last week.
A wave of violence has erupted in cities such as Sunderland, Rotherham and Hartlepool over the last week in the wake of the Southport stabbings – where three children were murdered at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
The killer, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was born in the UK, but far right rioters have repeatedly taken advantage of the incident to cause racial unrest. Mosques in several cities have been burnt down, while footage has shown ethnic minorities being attacked by mobs.
Responding on Twitter/X, Massive Attack shared a statement from race equality think tank the Runnymede Trust.
“This violent racism has long been simmering under the surface. What is happening is the direct result of years of normalised racism and Islamophobia, enabled by politicians and the British media,” they wrote.
“As far-right mobs threaten mosques, intimidate and harass people, and throw Nazi salutes, we offer our utmost solidarity to people of colour, and Muslim communities in particular.”
The statement also claimed that Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper had failed “to centre Muslim people, or call out racism for what it is”. They added: “What we are seeing unfold is more than “thuggery”, it is violent racism.”
It went on: “This is an inevitable outcome of years of state sponsored Islamophobia and racism, where Muslims, people of colour and migrants are scapegoated as a distraction from decades of economic hardship and political failings.”
Massive Attack’s missive also called for the government to recognise “that challenging the far right is not simply a question of tackling online misinformation, or increased police surveillance. Instead, we urgently need our leaders to challenge the conditions that embolden the far right. These scenes should be unimaginable in 2024.”
Nova Twins, in their own statement, said they were “sickened by the surge of far-right violence in the UK”.
“These actions distract from the grief and empathy owed to the Southport victims and their families,” they said. “The heartbreaking incident of violence towards young girls should be met with compassion and solidarity.
“Instead, we are witnessing brutality that deepens suffering and hatred, with innocent Muslims and people of colour being attacked and beaten, making people afraid to leave their homes. This is pure racism, a disease our country can’t seem to shake.
“Anti-immigration thugs shouting Islamophobic slurs and setting cars and buildings on fire – how can we be proud of a country like this?” they wrote. “No one should feel unsafe.”
They concluded: “This cycle of hatred and violence must end. Now is the time to come together, to support our neighbours and community, to safeguard and protect each other, especially those most vulnerable.”
In a statement yesterday, Keir Starmer condemned the violence as “far right thuggery” and said that those involved would face swift action.
“Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law,” he said. “The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder.”