Understanding the Roots of Race Riots in the UK: Colonial Legacy, Economic Insecurity, and Political Rhetoric

Summary  by Geopolist | Istanbul Center for Geopolitics:

The article looks into the underlying factors that led to racial unrest in the United Kingdom following the murder of three young girls by a young Rwandan man who was born in Britain. While social media has a role in propagating misinformation, the true causes are historical, economic, and political.

1. Historical Legacy and Colonialism:
   The foundations of the UK’s racial tensions lie in colonial and imperial history, which formed a hierarchy between the British “self” and the alien “other.” This separation dates back to the British Empire when people of colour were frequently treated as commodities or subjugated subjects. As the empire grew, the British treated colonial subjects as outsiders, even though many were awarded British citizenship. Tensions rose as these “outsiders” began migrating to the UK in the mid-20th century. The inflow of non-white immigrants, particularly from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, upset the British nation’s perceived homogeneity, resulting in the growth of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies. The Notting Hill and Nottingham riots of the 1950s were among the first expressions of these tensions, prompting the government to impose stringent immigration laws to stem the flow of non-white migrants.
2. Socioeconomic Drivers: The essay discusses how economic reasons, particularly during the 1970s, have led to increased social discontent. Deindustrialization and the transition to neoliberal policies resulted in widespread unemployment and poverty among the working class, providing fertile ground for scapegoating immigrants. The collapse of conventional industries has resulted in a reduction in steady, well-paying positions, leaving many people feeling economically excluded and insecure. Austerity measures implemented in the 2010s and the Brexit-related economic disruption made this uncertainty worse. While the British economy has become more reliant on foreign labour, particularly in low-skilled sectors, these workers are viewed as competition for scarce resources, heightening anger among native-born Britons. The shift in immigrant demographics—from European migrants (pre-Brexit) to non-European migrants (post-Brexit)—has also altered the emphasis of xenophobic attitudes, which now target newer immigrants from Asia and Africa.
3. Political Discourse and the Normalization of Anti-Immigrant Narratives: The paper also highlights how mainstream political discourse has exacerbated tensions. Over the last few decades, political leaders have normalized anti-immigrant discourse, portraying immigration as a threat to social stability and cultural identity. Subsequent governments have continued to promote this narrative, which started with Enoch Powell’s infamous “Rivers of Blood” speech. Conservative politicians, in particular, have used slogans like “Stop the Boats” and proposals like a plan to return asylum seekers to Rwanda. This narrative indicates that immigration upsets the social order and that fewer immigrants would result in a more harmonious community. Such discourse has demonized immigrants while also legitimizing xenophobic beliefs, paving the door for deadly racial animosity.
4. Social Media and Disinformation: Although social media is often criticized for distributing inflammatory content, the article contends that it is simply a tool that magnifies societal ills. Platforms like X (previously Twitter) speed up the transmission of misinformation, but its impact is exacerbated by pre-existing concerns and prejudices. Far-right figures, such as Tommy Robinson, have used social media to stir hatred by portraying immigrants as dangerous “invaders.” These messages, however, appeal not only because of the platforms, but also because they speak to long-held beliefs about national identity, cultural superiority, and economic concern.
5. Institutional and Policy Failures: The essay criticizes current measures that have disenfranchised immigrants, including restrictions on social assistance and family reunification rights. The establishment of semi-prison-like facilities for asylum seekers, as well as the usage of emergency housing, have all contributed to these groups’ dehumanization. Such policies foster a sense of exclusion and reinforce the perception of immigrants as outsiders, exacerbating tensions.
6. Recommendations for Addressing the Issue: The paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to address these issues. Focusing only on regulating social media or opposing far-right activism will not address the problem. Instead, it contends that the UK must reconsider its national identity, redress economic imbalances, and change the political narrative surrounding immigration. Politicians must cease exploiting polarizing rhetoric for short-term advantage and instead try to build a more inclusive and unified society.
7. Conclusion: The article suggests that the primary cause of violence is the structural inequities and narratives that have shaped British society for decades. Until these issues are addressed, the cycle of racial unrest will continue, with social media serving as a catalyst rather than the primary cause. Read the full article below.