British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that racism and intolerance have become more widespread across the United Kingdom over the past decade, saying the trend is weakening
social cohesion and discouraging people from taking part in public life.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Starmer said racism and intolerance were becoming increasingly entrenched in society. He was responding to concerns from a lawmaker who argued that racist rhetoric and the incitement of violence were being normalized, including by some political figures.
"We have to deal with it because it's tearing our society apart," Starmer said, urging politicians at every level to speak out against racism rather than fuel divisions.
His comments came a day after a Reuters report highlighted growing fears among many Britons from ethnic minority communities that anti-migrant rhetoric and the political focus on crime could contribute to a resurgence of racism. The report also pointed to heightened tensions following recent unrest, including protests in Southampton after the killing of Henry Nowak and riots in Belfast following a stabbing attack.
Reflecting on the state of public discourse, Starmer recalled the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, who campaigned for immigration and community unity before she was killed by a far-right extremist days ahead of the Brexit referendum. He said that, looking back on her death, he believes the situation has deteriorated rather than improved over the last ten years.
The Reuters report also cited warnings from trade unions and professional organizations about increasing incidents of racist abuse in workplaces and public spaces, particularly in the aftermath of recent disturbances across the UK.
Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has argued that government policies designed to support ethnic minorities have resulted in discrimination against white Britons. Starmer has dismissed those claims.
Calling for greater responsibility in political debate, the prime minister said elected officials from all parties have a duty to reduce tensions rather than inflame them, adding that anyone who fuels division should be "absolutely ashamed of themselves." Photo by Number 10, Wikimedia commons.
