Following the tragic events in Southport, last summer saw numerous outbreaks of far-right violence, aggression and intimidation across the UK. The riots did not occur in isolation, but were fuelled by the anti-migrant, racist and Islamophobic rhetoric being used online, in certain media coverage, and by some political actors. A year later, and despite the rapid sentencing of the August 2024 rioters, we are again seeing violent disturbances outside hotels housing people seeking asylum, with warnings of similar widespread unrest.
Those who have fled dangerous places to come here must be allowed to exercise their right to seek asylum in the UK, not be met with violence and hatred. Those who support them through the provision of legal services must be allowed to discharge their professional duties without hindrance, harassment or fear for their own safety and that of their families. Anything less jeopardises the integrity of our legal system and ultimately the UK’s democracy and rule of law.
We call upon the Government to lead by example: to change the narrative, to end the use of divisive rhetoric, to treat everyone in society with dignity and respect, regardless of circumstance or background, to put an end to policies that treat refugees as ‘illegal’, to protect human rights, and to foster a culture in which local communities are places of welcome and unity.
We welcome the Government’s signing of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer: we now call upon the Government both to ratify the Convention and to demonstrate its stated commitment to upholding the independence of the judiciary and lawyers through its rhetoric and approach.
Last year we were heartened to see the large number of people who came out in their communities to support those who have made their home in the UK. We continue to stand in solidarity – and always will – with migrants to this country and with all those who represent them.
- Document Date
- Wednesday July 30, 2025