Attitudes towards Muslims and multiculturalism in the UK have worsened as a result of the murders of three girls in Southport and, crucially, the misinformation and violence that followed, polling from HOPE not hate can reveal.
While the protests and disturbances appear to be subsiding, their fallout within and between communities will linger a lot longer.
Methodology
A poll of 3053 adults across Britain was undertaken by Focaldata between 25 July and 2 August 2024, weighted to be nationally representative. Results were then split between responses collected prior to and after the murders in Southport on 29th July 2024 to create two sets of results: pre-Southport (25 July – 29 July 2024, 2213 people) and post-Southport (30 July to 2 August, 840 people). Significance testing was then undertaken to identify statistically significant differences. All results reported below achieved a 95% confidence rate of statistical significance.
Attitudes to Islam and immigration
The results show that these events have impacted public perceptions of Muslims. Comparison of pre- and post-Southport results shows a 5% decrease in those who think Islam is compatible with a British way of life, down from 33% to 28%. Similarly, the number of people who view Muslims as having ‘completely different’ values to them has increased by 6%, from 38% to 44%.
Whilst many people across the UK have stood in solidarity with those targeted by violence in the community, attitudes to immigration have worsened. There has been a notable 8% decrease in those who believe immigrants have contributed positively to British culture, from 43% to 37%. Similarly, there is heightened favour for tougher government action to reduce immigration. Support for ignoring or breaking international laws and conventions in order to curb migration, for example, has increased by 9% from an already high 64% to 73%.
These attitudes have tangible, and horrific, consequences for Muslims as well as migrants and minority ethnic communities. Following the attacks in Southport, we have witnessed what may be the worst wave of far-right violence in the UK post-war. Senseless Islamophobic and racist violence has been incited, including attacks on mosques and two horrific incidents where hotels housing people seeking asylum in Rotherham and Tamworth were set alight.
Attitudes to multiculturalism
This escalated division and violence is reflected in public attitudes towards multiculturalism and cohesion before versus after the events in Southport. Two third (65%) of the country now identify growing tensions between different groups of those living in Britain, a 6% increase between pre and post Southport respondents. Additionally, over half (58%) of the population see racial and ethnic divides as the biggest cause of division in the UK, an increase of 5% following the events in Southport.
What this mean for cohesion in the UK
In our post-election analysis of the UK, we identified multiculturalism as a key topic we anticipated that the far right were going to mobilise around, and laid out our fears about an emboldened far right taking to the streets in opposition to the new Labour government. The events of the last two weeks have unfortunately confirmed the scale of this threat.
We have seen outpourings of solidarity in counter demonstrations across the country. However, we cannot be complacent. Whilst the violence may be dying down for now, the attitudes driving it will not dissipate so quickly and in some areas is actually likely to harden.
While there is clearly a moderate majority who continue to hold onto hope and reject hateful, divisive narratives, our polling shows that anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant attitudes are spreading. It remains to be seen whether this will continue or if attitudes will placate, but it is clear that the fallout of these riots will have lasting implications on community cohesion. We also know that at times of heightened emotions and tense relations, it only takes one tiny trigger for violence to flare up again. Communities must not be left unprepared for this.
What are the solutions?
The events of the last two weeks must be a sobering wake up call for the Government. We reiterate our call for a holistic, centralised strategy for addressing cohesion between and within communities, one that is cross-sector, multi-dimensional, and with a whole-of-society framing.
This must include:
This strategy must include action plans for:
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