In the summer of 2024, England witnessed an alarming surge in far-right violence. Between 30th July and 5th August 2024, riots erupted across multiple cities following a tragic mass stabbing in Southport. Fuelled by misinformation falsely claiming the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker, the unrest spiralled into one of the most significant outbreaks of racist violence since 2011.
At the forefront of the response was Alex Ardalan-Raikes MBE, Director of Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI), a Bristol-based charity that supports victims of hate crimes. With over three decades in anti-racism advocacy, Alex has been instrumental in tackling hate crime, offering support, and pushing for policy changes to counteract extremism.
This blog post summarises a conversation between Alex and Nasrul Ismail, co-editor of the Justice, Power and Resistance journal, about the challenges, strategies and lessons that can be drawn from this critical moment in her advocacy against hate. Explore further details of their conversation here.
How did we get here?
The rise of far-right extremism in the UK is not an isolated phenomenon. Globally, we have seen the resurgence of nationalist ideologies, often amplified by social media and political rhetoric. In the UK, far-right networks have evolved from football hooliganism and street-level aggression to organised movements with broader social and political influence.
While racial tensions have long existed, the 2024 riots marked a turning point. What made them unique was their scale, coordination and the way misinformation played a direct role in inciting violence. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, false narratives spread quickly, shaping public sentiment and fuelling hate-driven action.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), played a significant role in the escalation. Elon Musk’s involvement in reshaping the platform led to a rise in unchecked misinformation, providing far-right groups with a wider reach to spread their false narratives. The lack of effective moderation allowed dangerous rhetoric to thrive, directly impacting real-world violence.
The human impact
The riots left a deep scar on affected communities. For many, the fear was overwhelming. Families were afraid to leave their homes, businesses in diverse neighbourhoods were forced to close, and targeted attacks on minority communities surged. Some individuals, particularly those from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds, expressed disbelief that such large-scale racial violence could still happen in the UK today.
SARI received an influx of calls from frightened community members, highlighting the real-world consequences of digital misinformation. The power of social media to spread racist rhetoric became evident, with harmful narratives seeping into mainstream discourse.
The response: Community and law enforcement
Despite the trauma, the response from communities was inspiring. Thousands gathered in peaceful counter-protests, determined to show solidarity against hate. Across cities, diverse groups – White British citizens, minority communities, activists and local organisations – stood together to reclaim public spaces from violence and division.
Law enforcement played a crucial role in managing the situation. In Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police demonstrated a proactive approach by working alongside community leaders rather than against them. This collaborative strategy ensured a measured response, preventing the situation from escalating further.
However, law enforcement alone is not a solution. While swift arrests and prosecutions sent a strong message, long-term strategies are necessary to address the root causes of extremist behaviour.
The way forward
The riots underscored the urgent need for systemic change. Here are three key areas for action:
- Stronger hate crime prevention strategies – Hate crime services should receive the same level of priority as domestic violence services. A statutory duty must be placed on local authorities to ensure adequate funding and resources for organisations like SARI that provide frontline support and education.
- Tackling online radicalisation – Social media platforms played a pivotal role in fuelling these riots. Misinformation and extremist rhetoric spread rapidly, underscoring the need for stronger online regulations. The forthcoming Online Safety Act must address the amplification of hate speech and provide effective countermeasures to tackle digital extremism. Additionally, platforms like X must be held accountable for their role in enabling hate speech and conspiracy theories to flourish unchecked.
- Long-term rehabilitation and education – While legal consequences for rioters are necessary, punishment alone does not dismantle deeply rooted extremist beliefs. Multi-agency intervention is crucial – bringing together social services, education and rehabilitation programmes to work with individuals who engage in hate-driven violence.
A call for collective action
These riots should serve as a wake-up call. The rise of far-right extremism is not an abstract issue. It has real consequences for communities, individuals and the fabric of society. Addressing it requires a multi-pronged approach: stronger legal frameworks, better online monitoring and most importantly, grassroots efforts that promote inclusivity and counter hateful ideologies.
At a time when division is being deliberately sown, standing together is the strongest statement we can make. Organisations like SARI continue to play a crucial role in ensuring that hate does not go unchallenged. But the responsibility does not rest solely with activists. Governments, social media platforms and every individual must play a part in building a society that rejects hate and embraces unity.
Alex Ardalan-Raikes MBE serves as the Director of Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI), a Bristol-based charity dedicated to supporting victims of hate within the local community and beyond. Under her leadership, SARI assists over 900 victims of hate crimes annually. The organisation also delivers training, restorative justice programmes, youth offender rehabilitation initiatives, and expert consultancy on equality and antiracism strategies.
Nasrul Ismail is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Bristol and Co-Editor of the journal Justice, Power and Resistance. His primary research interests are the governance and delivery of prison health. He is currently a principal investigator for a British Academy–funded project that is evaluating the degree to which Southeast Asia prisons are prepared in the event of future pandemics.
This article is republished from Transforming Society under a Creative Commons license.