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Something in the nation changed recently. Like urban centers across the United Kingdom, London has witnessed protests organised by the far right before, but the atmosphere was distinct. Over a hundred thousand individuals occupied the city. A significant portion of them protested calmly. But some violently attacked the law enforcement tasked with ensuring residents secure.

What unfolded we saw didn’t come from nowhere. For an extended period, government figures and analysts have declined to criticize the growing wave of bigotry in Britain, instead choosing to engage in divisive messaging and dangerous rhetoric themselves.

Now, this toxic form of public discourse are emerging on to our streets. Ethnic and religious communities have voiced concerns and countless others in the city and throughout the UK are alarmed. For our leaders, inaction is never enough. It is now necessary to speak out and say: we reject who Britain stands for.

Wider Context

Let's unite to challenge the extremist ideologies who are using monetary struggles, the fragmentation of modern life and a deepening skepticism of governmental and media institutions – a pattern observed in nations across the continent and, naturally, in the United States.

The US leader and his allies have perhaps done the greatest amount to stoke tensions of divisive, radical movements internationally in the past decade. On his visit to the United Kingdom on his initial official trip, he had deliberately used anti-immigrant sentiment, racism and exclusionary rhetoric as an campaign strategy.

Since that time, the strategies observed from the current White House seem no different. Blaming vulnerable groups, expelling American nationals, using armed forces to the streets of diverse cities. These actions aren’t just against democratic principles – it's taken directly from the dictator's manual.

The Need for Honesty

It is clear the UK government’s position of adopting realism on the world platform and aiming to keep a good relationship with the leader of the strongest country in the world. Confronted by a aggressive Moscow, Europe’s security feels more fragile now than at any point since the second world war. And the danger of increased American taxes is constant.

Yet it remains crucial to ensure our unique partnership involves being transparent and truthful with one another. Sometimes, this means being a supportive critic and challenging authority – and being clear that our opposition to the tactics of fear and division.

Explaining President Trump why he should stand with Ukrainians, not Russia. Advocating for tackling the environmental crisis seriously. Encouraging the president to halt the trade conflicts that are tearing international commerce apart. And putting pressure on him to do far greater to stop Israel’s horrific onslaught on the region, as exclusively Trump has the power to put an end to Israel’s brazen and breaches of human rights to an end.

Global Hub

We must also remind the US leader and followers to cease criticizing and undermining London. London is a global success story, regardless of how he wants to claim the opposite. The capital is open, dynamic and more secure than any US state in terms of violent crime. Perhaps that’s why a growing amount of people from the US are choosing to reside the city.

The leader and followers repeatedly discuss about the significance of freedom of expression, depicting of Britain as a oppressive state where censorship means our rights are at risk. That is far from the truth. Now, I’m sure numerous residents will speak up to remind President Trump and his followers that it is impossible to be polarized by groups which seek to create division.

Our city is determined for London to persevere as a defender against bigotry, and shine bright a positive example. We recognize resilience in our multiculturalism, not weakness. And that we hold our liberal values firmly, rather than hiding them in shame.

Looking Ahead

Since the president’s most recent diplomatic tour in 2019, the manner we discuss politics has become darker, more divisive and risky. But the city's spirit and identity are as open and optimistic as before – because diverse metropolis isn’t going anywhere. Those who seek to create discord will discover a capital committed to defend its free society principles stronger than ever.