The response to the killings of the young girls in Southport a few weeks ago, contained different elements, there were vigils and gatherings in sympathy with the families. The flowers and teddy bears left on pavements were a symbol of support for families and at the same time concern about the direction of a society in which such crimes take place.
Whatever the initial motivation for street vigils, they were soon overwhelmed by demonstrations against migrants, assumed foreigners, and finally non white citizens. In a video of the Liverpool city centre protest against the murders, the crowd could be heard chanting, ‘Stop the boats’ the mantra of the failed Tory government. All pretence at a show of sympathy for the families of the victims disappeared and was swallowed by blame. Blaming the usual suspects; migrants, refugees, and finally non white citizens.
The same happened in many similar actions around the country and we saw attacks on mosques and Asian or foreign owned businesses. These racist mobilisations were in sharp contrast to genuine community gatherings and the clean up operations in Southport. In Liverpool, Walthamstow and other places a few days after the violent mobilisations, many hundreds turned out in a show of solidarity with migrants and those targeted by racists.
In recent years the Tories and their media response to any complaint, that the NHS is underfunded – was ‘Stop the boats!’ – Too many kids in class – ‘Stop the boats!’ – Not enough housing- ‘Stop the boats!’ So it’s not surprising this mantra was repeated. What started as online rumours soon turned into violence on the street. Not a day goes by that I don’t see FB posts talking about migrants in hotels and veterans on the streets or similar memes, without explaining that it was the government that it was responsible for both, using the migrants as targets so the government would not be blamed.
A clear case of divide and rule, but we need to be clear, arguments that migrants cause, cuts in health care, education, or housing are nonsense. People are struggling because the previous Tory government and now Starmer refuse to re-balance the economy in favour of the poor and working people.
This is not the first time blame has been placed on outsiders or refugees. The link below is a recreation of the words of Harry Constable a famous dock leader as told to legend of the Liverpool Trade union Movement, Bill Hunter. Make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy
Harry’s story, read by Christopher Eccleston and Eithne Browne, based on recordings compiled by Bill Hunter ( billhunterweb.org.uk/ ).
Before The Storm, the third book in my trilogy includes this speech from Macca a local politician who like Trump, Farage and the far right claims to represent real people against ‘elites’.
‘But no more. The historic decision of the British people to leave the European Union opens a new door to the world. Don’t believe those who would present this as “little Englanders.” Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, once we are out of the EU, we will be able to trade freely with the rest of the world.
‘I am not going to go on too long tonight because we are here for a celebration. I just want to remind you that the politicians and elites in Westminster and Brussels don’t know or care about your lives. They are liars and thieves.’
There was an outburst of applause at this line. Vinny almost spoke out: “Liars and thieves” couldn’t be a better description of Macca.
‘Traitors willing to sell this country down the river for their careers.’
Vinny could tell Macca was getting into his stride. Gone was the warm, relaxed tone of speaking to a friend. Now, his voice was sharper, faster, the sentences shorter, his arm movements more decisive, banging an imaginary table with each new accusation.
‘They have forgotten the real people of Britain.’
Vinny pulled out the watch and opened it. He raised his hands high enough for Macca to see. He studied Macca carefully. He saw the question in his eyes and heard the hesitation in his voice as he, too, saw the watch.
‘We need to get rid of these traitors and cowards…’ Macca looked directly at Vinny.
There was a new chain on the watch, and Vinny swung it from side to side like a hypnotist.
Macca became more and more agitated. ‘They are destroying our country — thieves, lazy, dirty scum.’ He almost spat the words as his venom built.
Vinny could see Macca coming apart.
The chairman looked quizzically at McNally. Macca’s eyes travelled around the room, searching for refuge, but drew back time and time again to the swinging watch.
‘Some of us have fought for our country, seen comrades die on the battlefield. I have seen the blood and guts of battle. We didn’t risk our lives for the scroungers and migrants… the lazy…
dirty…’ Flecks of spittle flew from Macca’s mouth.
In the USA, Ireland, the UK and across Europe the far right are mobilising among the poor using refugees and migrants as scapegoats. We can not allow this to happen.
Jack Byrne 
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