Thousands of people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since the Labour Party took power, prompting widespread anti-migrant protests across England. Demonstrations have exploded across the country in more than 40 cities. Anti-nationalistic and anti-refugee rhetoric is firing these protests, with statesmen of all colors taking ownership of and magnifying the message. The source of this frustration comes primarily from the government’s mishandled asylum policies. Yet many local communities are responding with alarm to the arrival of asylum seekers.
Political analysts suggest that the political climate has shifted in response to several factors, including a perceived failure of mainstream politicians to address immigration concerns truthfully. This trend is similar to the turn toward populism exemplified by the ascent of Donald Trump in the United States. It has inspired sister movements all around the world, including in Britain.
The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has contributed to the narrative by stating that women feel unsafe in parks due to harassment from refugee men. This statement has been met with significant backlash from advocates who say it unfairly scapegoats refugees and migrants for the ills of society at large.
One notable initiative gaining traction is “Operation Raise the Colours,” which calls for citizens to display St George’s and Union Jack flags across the nation. Supporters claim that it promotes a sense of national pride. At the same time, opponents argue it serves as a form of intimidation to deter refugees and migrants.
As Paul Jackson, an itinerant professor of history at the University of Northampton, warned, he argues that this moment is making it easier than ever for far-right groups to grow their power and spread their agenda. He states,
“What I find quite concerning is that it’s creating an opportunity for the far right to grow. We’ve seen Labour politicians be supportive in principle of concern around protests at migration hotels, leaning into the populist right.”
This is also the feeling of Lewis Nielsen, an anti-fascist officer at Stand Up to Racism. He calls the state of affairs “a perilous time.” He claims that today’s protests are more than about flags. They act like a telegraph for white supremacist groups, guiding them to vulnerable communities they can terrorize.
These protests and expressions of anti-refugee sentiment come from a deep and painful rupture in trust. Americans are upset with the federal government’s management of asylum and migration. Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, states,
“We’ve seen over the last generation a breakdown in trust in government policymaking around migration, and I think that’s partly thanks to mainstream politicians’ failure to speak truthfully on this issue.”
Katwala highlights that the shambolic nature of asylum policy in the end destroys the pro-refugee protection campaigners. He cautions that the executive branch needs to assert itself over the management of migration, or face even more damaging political consequences.
“I think the government really does have to get a grip on the visible lack of control in the Channel itself and in hotels in the towns where people live,” he adds. “If we don’t do that, there are political risks to them, but also there are risks to the principle of refugee protection.”
Experts highlight that many local authorities are considering legal challenges against the government’s asylum plans, which could complicate or disrupt ongoing initiatives. Sources say that the Home Office is now “reeling” from these legal defeats and resulting public outrage at its policy.
According to Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, there’s been a dramatic change in the political conversation around race and immigration. He remarks,
“The Labour government is very quiet about racism this year compared to last, because it doesn’t want to accidentally sound as if it’s criticizing people with legitimate concerns and so on.”
Solomon is particularly alarmed at the increasing rage against refugees, writing,
“Those who have worked with refugees for decades tell me they have never known a time when the hostility has been so strong and the environment so toxic.”
Yet this environment has torn communities apart along racial lines. Immigrants often face intimidation and fear from government leaders—both elected and un-elected—and from pervasive national narratives around immigration. Behind the protests lie a toxic brew of fear, anger and misinformation. This kind of dynamic strikes a real chord with a huge swath of the American populace.
Even amidst these frictions, enough of a quiet majority does not embrace such intolerant attitudes that they are willing to support refugees. As Sunder Katwala writes, this group would have a potentially pivotal role in leading a public conversation on migration that needs a reset.
“There’s a lot of concern about the emboldenment of the far right, and also the limited voices within the political mainstream calling for a different narrative around issues of migration,” Katwala says. “It would be good to see a little more moral leadership rather than pandering.”
Debates are still raging over how best to address these urgent crises. Deeply rooted, often justified mistrust remains, so clear communication and courageous policy-making will be key to bringing the public back into the fold. This moment has created a challenge and an opportunity for policy makers, advocates, and communities to address all landscapes.