# Sector speaks out against far-right rioting & violence

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2024/08/06/sector-speaks-out-against-far-right-rioting-violence/
- Published: 2024-08-06T08:30:00+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**As far-right rioting and attacks continue across the UK, individuals and organisations
across the sector have spoken out to decry the violence and emphasis support for
everyone impacted.**

[Lloyds Bank Foundation](https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/) called the violent
riots ‘deplorable’, saying: _“We stand in solidarity with the people, communities
and charities impacted by these violent acts._

_“No one should be made afraid to leave their home, walk in their neighborhood or
practice their religion. That these rioters are targeting mosques, hotels housing
asylum seekers, and racially minoritized communities, and inciting terror in communities
is unacceptable. Their actions do not speak for the communities that we know.”_

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The Civil Society Group, which includes ACEVO, the CIOF, Charity Finance Group NCVO
and many others, has also issued [a statement](https://www.civilsocietygroup.org.uk/).
In it, the group says: _“As a group of civil society leaders, we reject and condemn
the actions of those involved in the recent wave of violence.  This violent and 
vociferous minority, fuelled by hatred, Islamophobia and misinformation, act in 
direct contrast to the values of a fair, just and inclusive society.”_ The group
also says: _“Civil society leaders will play a leading role in the community response
to this violent unrest – supporting those most affected, redoubling their efforts
to maintain continuity, and playing their part in healing the harms caused by this
lawless minority.” _

Charities including [ActionAid](https://actionaid.org.uk/), Mind, Shelter, and Crisis
have also spoken out against the violence, with Crisis saying that “_Islamophobia
and racism have no place in our society and we will not tolerate it_“, and ActionAid
calling on UK politicians to challenge racist rhetoric and hate.

In a statement issued by the [NCVO](https://www.ncvo.org.uk/#/), CEO Sarah Elliott
says that this is a distressing time for all in the sector and especially for colleagues
and friends from the global majority, adding:_ “We stand in solidarity with them
and offer our continued hand of friendship.”_

For charities afraid of being targeted or feeling threatened, Elliott advises seeking
advice from the police or their local authority who will be working as part of the
Local Resilience Forum, and says: _“You are not alone, we stand alongside you, and
as civil society, we will continue demonstrating unwavering commitment to those 
who are marginalised. By leading with empathy and compassion, we will unite against
ignorance, malevolence and hate.”_

NCVO’s full statement reads:

> “The tragic deaths of three girls in Southport saw a community come together in
> grief. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with their families. In the past week,
> racist extremists whose sole aim is to create fear, division and chaos, have rioted
> across the country. More innocent people have been brutally attacked, places of
> worship have been threatened, and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted. Libraries,
> community hubs and organisations that are the very fabric of our civic life have
> been affected. And people who contribute so much to our society, have been made
> to feel they don’t belong. Make no mistake, these are not protests or free speech.
> They are acts of violence perpetrated by thugs, in attempt to fan the flames of
> racial hate and islamophobia.
>  
> “This is a distressing time for us all – both as individuals, and as committed
> workers and volunteers in a sector that is focused on building community cohesion
> and belonging. And this is an especially difficult time for our colleagues and
> friends from the global majority who have been made to feel unsafe in their own
> communities. We stand in solidarity with them and offer our continued hand of 
> friendship. Our country owes a huge debt of gratitude to people who have chosen
> to live in the UK, both recently and past generations. Amongst the violence we
> have seen the very best of our society too. People, from all backgrounds and walks
> of life, volunteering their time and coming together to help one another. From
> helping clean up to providing comfort or handing out refreshments. This is the
> true expression of our country’s values.
>  
> “Many charities will be affected, and some will be afraid of being targeted. Please
> seek advice from the police, or your local authority who will be working as part
> of the Local Resilience Forum, if you feel threatened. You are not alone, we stand
> alongside you, and as civil society, we will continue demonstrating unwavering
> commitment to those who are marginalised. By leading with empathy and compassion,
> we will unite against ignorance, malevolence and hate. And in the following weeks
> and months we must continue to work towards a more tolerant and anti-racist society–
> learning from the many charities who are working tirelessly in this space.”

#### More sector response

> Whatever you've done so far, you need to do more tomorrow. 
> Fascism doesn't disappear
> without effort, organising and public mobilisation. Start with Hope no hate. And
> work from there. [@hopenothate](https://twitter.com/hopenothate?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> [pic.twitter.com/FPiws45nl4](https://t.co/FPiws45nl4)
> — Paul de Gregorio (@pauldegregorio) [August 4, 2024](https://twitter.com/pauldegregorio/status/1820120244469543351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> It needs to be said.
> The horrifying racist attacks committed by a small, but vocal,
> minority have cast a long shadow across our nation. (1/4)
> — Mind (@MindCharity) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/MindCharity/status/1820436181370229141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Many of our members are working hard to communicate powerful messages of solidarity
> with communities facing racism and violence. We stand in solidarity to support
> the vital work they do to build resilient and diverse communities and a positive
> future for all, and will do…
> — CharityComms (@CharityComms) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/CharityComms/status/1820471313938387108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> The violent riots that we have seen unfold across the country over the weekend
> are deplorable. We stand in solidarity with the people, communities and charities
> impacted by these violent acts. [https://t.co/rAGgjUc9bD](https://t.co/rAGgjUc9bD)
> [pic.twitter.com/Ipb6lO5DM0](https://t.co/Ipb6lO5DM0)
> — Lloyds Bank Foundation (@LBFEW) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/LBFEW/status/1820456735326310780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Racism and Islamophobia has no place in our society and we will not tolerate it.
> Everyone should have a safe place to call home, and we are determined to be there
> for everyone who needs our support. [pic.twitter.com/ZtZ87It6jN](https://t.co/ZtZ87It6jN)
> — Crisis (@crisis_uk) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/crisis_uk/status/1820461756051067211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> We at [@crisis_uk](https://twitter.com/crisis_uk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) are proud
> to stand with, and provide help to people from all backgrounds. 
> The disgusting
> events of the weekend only enhance our passion for inclusion and to fight against
> racism and hate.
> — Matt Downie (@matthew_downie) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/matthew_downie/status/1820376306040619229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> It goes without saying, but against the backdrop of the current violence and racism,
> if any charities need free support on strategy, messaging and comms, I’m happy
> to muck in as an extra pair of hands.
> Not offering guru-nonsense, just extra capacity.
> — Wayne Murray (@WayneTheMurray) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/WayneTheMurray/status/1820528581606527246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> ActionAid UK is horrified by the racist and Islamophobic violence being experienced
> by communities living in the UK. We stand in solidarity with all those affected.
> This violence was not created in a vacuum and we call on all UK politicians to
> challenge racist rhetoric and hate.
> — ActionAid UK (@ActionAidUK) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/ActionAidUK/status/1820502405114716243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> We've been appalled by the acts of racism & islamophobia over the past week.
> At
> Shelter we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. We stand 
> in solidarity with Muslim communities, Black & People of Colour & all those affected
> by these terrible acts of violence.
> — Shelter (@Shelter) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/Shelter/status/1820500295975407649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> The riots are more than "thuggery" – they are violent racist acts aimed at expelling
> people from our communities because they are Muslim, Black or brown, or migrants.
> Politicians and the media have upheld inequality of wealth and power by scapegoating
> people for decades. [pic.twitter.com/G7sTuyH2Tc](https://t.co/G7sTuyH2Tc)
> — The Equality Trust (@equalitytrust) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/equalitytrust/status/1820460401579937826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> UK Youth stands firmly against discrimination, violence and hatred. A statement
> from our CEO [@Ndidi1st](https://twitter.com/Ndidi1st?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on 
> the recent violence across the UK 🧵👇
> — UK Youth (@UKYouth) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/UKYouth/status/1820474083475345771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Following the shocking attack in Southport, the UK public has given generously
> to show solidarity with the community and support those affected. Follow our recommended
> checks so that you can give with confidence [https://t.co/ZKnA6M5fzp](https://t.co/ZKnA6M5fzp)
> [pic.twitter.com/kLkvNM5K3a](https://t.co/kLkvNM5K3a)
> — FundraisingRegulator (@FundrRegulator) [August 1, 2024](https://twitter.com/FundrRegulator/status/1819002659606519893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)