Politics Weekly UK
Will the threat of arrests be enough to stop far-right violence? Politics Weekly UK
Aug 7, 2024
Jessica Elgot, deputy political editor at the Guardian, and Nazir Afzal, former chief prosecutor for the north-west of England, tackle urgent issues surrounding far-right violence in the UK. They discuss the government's response to the recent unrest and the challenges in addressing the root causes of aggression. The conversation also highlights the delicate balance between policing protests and protecting free speech, along with the complexities of online hate speech regulation. Their insights shed light on the emotional impact on minority communities and the need for informed dialogue.
31:00
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Quick takeaways
- The violence linked to far-right extremism reveals significant gaps in the government's response to underlying racial tensions and misinformation.
- Public perception of the protests complicates Keir Starmer's leadership, as many view the demonstrators as violent rather than legitimate critics.
Deep dives
Government Response to Violence
The recent outbreak of violent protests has tested the government's authority, particularly under Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Initially framed as a law and order issue, the violence has roots in far-right extremism, complicating the narrative. Many politicians and community leaders believe the government has not sufficiently addressed the racist undertones of the violence, particularly attacks on mosques and businesses owned by people of color. There are growing calls for a more explicit acknowledgment of these issues and a broader discussion on racism in society, pushing the government to reconsider its approach.
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