Starmer says racism, intolerance worsening in UK
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that racism and intolerance have worsened in the UK over the last decade.
- He warned that these issues damage social cohesion and discourage public participation.
- Starmer linked the rise in intolerance to political rhetoric and recent unrest, calling for all politicians to address the problem.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Wednesday that racism and intolerance have significantly worsened in the United Kingdom over the past decade. He cautioned that these escalating issues are damaging the nation's social cohesion and deterring individuals from engaging in public life.
racism and intolerance is permeating everywhere.
Starmer's remarks came in response to a lawmaker's concerns about the normalization of racism and incitement to violence, even by some politicians. "We have to deal with it, because it's tearing our societies apart," Starmer stated in parliament, emphasizing that "it should be called out by every single person who is a politician at any level in this country."
We have to deal with it, because it's tearing our societies apart.
The Prime Minister drew a parallel to the 2016 killing of Labor lawmaker Jo Cox, a proponent of immigration and social cohesion, who was murdered by a far-right extremist shortly before the Brexit referendum. Reflecting on Cox's death, Starmer expressed that the situation has deteriorated rather than improved in the ten years since.
it should be called out by every single person who is a politician at any level in this country.
Recent reports have highlighted growing fears among Britons of color regarding a resurgence of racism, fueled by anti-migrant rhetoric and a political focus on crime. Tensions have been heightened by recent incidents, including protests and riots in various parts of the UK. Starmer also criticized the tone of political debate, stating, "That's on us to fix โ every single member of this house, whatever their party is and anybody who inflames it should be absolutely ashamed of themselves."
That's on us to fix โ every single member of this house, whatever their party is and anybody who inflames it should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.