‘Starmer’s framing of terrorism and grooming gangs also conflates two distinct and very serious issues’

Sir Keir Starmer’s recent speech, given in the context of the terrible events in Southport, fills me with deep concern and dread about our future together.

As an Asian Muslim man who has dedicated my life to serving my community, including heading a mosque that recently received violent threats against its members – I know how words can shape perceptions and inform policymaking.

But unfortunately, this speech is likely doing more harm than good in the way it is framing important issues. Starmer is entirely correct to call for transparency and a full investigation into this Southport case.

The fact that the perpetrator had previously been referred to Prevent on three separate occasions and was still able to carry out such a horrific act shows that there is a failure of the system in this case.

That must be investigated and they must be held accountable. But our caution needs to relate to how this case gets framed in the larger debate.

Starmer’s framing of terrorism and grooming gangs also conflates two distinct and very serious issues, which risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Muslims, and South Asians as a whole, in this country.

This blurring, whether deliberate or not, is only incendiary to Islamophobia. Here in Bristol, we’ve seen how far-right rhetoric and Islamophobia can take shape in concrete threats.

Our mosques recently went into high alert after receiving violent threats through email. We’ve had to ramp up security, a grim reminder of the animosity that such rhetoric can inspire.

In recent years the increase of far-right activity has rocked our community, but has also proven to our city’s strength. People from all walks of life showed up to stand against hate and to stand with us.

That unity fills me with hope, but it is tenuous. Speeches like Starmer’s threaten to erode it.

Sir Keir Starmer’s recent speech, delivered in response to the devastating events in Southport, raises significant questions about the direction of our national discourse: pic.twitter.com/9yaJeEHPVJ

— Abdul Raoof Malik (@abdulstweets) January 22, 2025

Locally Prevent has been relatively effective in Bristol precisely because it has been tailored to meet our city’s specific challenges and dynamics.

But Prevent has struggled to prove itself on a national level, as the Southport case brutally illustrates. That is no justification for doubling down on broad-brush policies or blaming entire communities.

Rather, it is a demand to confront the systemic failures that led to this tragedy.

A data driven solution will not solve the problem — and for sure, no cookie-cutter solution will solve this issue either. It must be adapted and tailored to the specificities of each single city.

You cannot only take a one-size-fits-all solution and believe it will work, it is not the answer, as it should be all about building the trust and giving a voice to those who have until now not been heard.

Letting them decide positive and constructive solutions to their environments.

The example cited by Starmer exposes a complete abandonment of Southport. We need an honest and transparent discussion about how this occurred.

But to frame it as related to grooming gangs and situate it in a wider context of terrorism risks fuelling those divisive tropes.

That kind of rhetoric gives more confidence to far-right extremists, breeding suspicion and creating a climate of fear in communities like mine.

It destroys the trust, and understanding, that we have laboured to establish. For years now, I have been working to demonstrate that our mosque represents more than a place of worship — it is the heart of the community.

We have joined forces with people from every background to solve problems and build solidarity.

But every time Muslims are wrongly connected to terrorism or crime, there is this sense that we are being further marginalised, no matter how much we do to be a part of society.

Historic motion passed today at Bristols Council – calling for Avon pension fund to divest I was honoured to second the motion and it passed meaning this is a real local change on the ground moved by CllrShona Jemphrey supported by @bristolgreen – proud moment! pic.twitter.com/UkkmqMhBcW

— Abdul Raoof Malik (@abdulstweets) January 15, 2025

Starmer’s speech fills me with fear — not just for my community, but for our country’ future.

It envisions a future in which my children might mature feeling more isolated and less secure because of the hue of their skin or the faith they practice. It threatens to reverse the progress we’ve made in bringing communities together by employing divisive rhetoric.

But I refuse to give up hope. Bristol has shown it has resilience and the ability to not accept hate. Our leaders must take this example and promote unity instead of division.

There is much to learn from Southport but let’s learn respectfully, inclusively, and intentionally, without inflammatory generalisations about the pros and cons of this community or that community.

This is owed not just to the victims and the families of Southport but to the people of every community and every citizen who believes in a just and fair society.

This is an opinion piece by Abdul Malik, Green councillor for Ashely Ward.

Main photo: Green Party

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