In its first direct reference to the time period “Hinduphobia”, the UK’s Opposition Labour Party dedicated itself to preventing in opposition to hate crimes of all types following communal clashes in Leicester and Birmingham within the wake of an India-Pakistan cricket match.
Addressing considered one of Europe’s largest Navratri celebrations right here on Wednesday night, Labour Leader Keir Starmer advised a gathering of lots of of British Indians that he was decided to place an finish to “divisive politics” and extremist components exploiting social media to unfold hatred inside communities. Some diaspora organisations within the UK have claimed the dysfunction in Leicester final month mirrored Hinduphobia, or hate crimes focused at Hindus, intensified by social media disinformation.
ALSO READ | Indian-origin pupil killed in US, roommate held
“Hinduphobia has absolutely no place in our society anywhere and we must all fight this together,” stated Starmer, amid cheers.
“I know that many people are targeted based on their religion and there’s been a rise in hate crimes in recent years. I’m so tired of our divisive politics. I’m saddened by the division we have seen on the streets of Leicester and Birmingham in recent weeks; violence and hatred spread by extremists exploiting social media. We must all together stand firm against all attempts to spread hate,” he stated.
“Nor will we tolerate the far right attempting to exploit grievances. We have more that unites us than divides us. Our religion, places and symbols of worship must and will be respected. A Labour government will bring people back together and end this divisive politics,” he added.
The Opposition chief, who has been fairly clearly trying to reverse predecessor Jeremy Corbyn’s stance in the direction of India and its diaspora perceived as much less India-friendly, famous that it was his first time attending Dussehra celebrations in London and spoke of the deeper significance of Navratri as embodied in Goddess Durga’s resilience and power, which signifies the significance of the feminine divine and ladies’s empowerment.
“I’m particularly honoured to join you on Vijayadashami celebrations. The fires that burn effigies of Ravana all over the world serve as a reminder of our need to extinguish the evil that’s facing our society the need to defeat poverty, injustice, hate and to attack our own shadows and bad habits,” he stated.
ALSO READ | Sikh household kidnapping in US: Suspect in custody, victims nonetheless lacking
Starmer took intention on the governing Conservative Party for dragging the nation into the midst of a disaster and declared that after “12 long years”, the Labour Party can be the federal government on the folks’s aspect. The Opposition occasion has been positioning itself for the UK’s subsequent basic election, due round 2024, and hoping to capitalise on the current bounce in opinion polls amid declining Tory recognition over an ongoing financial disaster.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Hindu community for your contribution to Britain, for everything you do for us, whether its culture, business, the financial sector, the NHS, supporting your community through the cost of living. Your contribution to Britain is huge. You are an integral part of Britain, the past, the present and very much the future,” stated Starmer.
— ENDS —
