Europe sees rise in anti-immigrant violence amid identity rhetoric

Anti-immigration protests have become increasingly frequent and, in some instances, violent across England, Northern Ireland, Spain, and Poland. These demonstrations are occurring as far-right groups gain influence within communities facing challenges such as housing shortages, unemployment, and inequality.

Recent Unrest in the United Kingdom

Last summer’s riots in Southport, England, remain a significant event. The unrest began following a stabbing incident on July 19, 2024, in which three young girls were killed at a dance class. Far-right activists were accused of exacerbating tensions by spreading misinformation claiming the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker. The subsequent riots, spanning several days, involved attacks on police, shops housing asylum seekers, hotels, and mosques, resulting in numerous arrests.

A similar pattern has emerged recently. On August 3, clashes occurred at protests outside hotels accommodating asylum seekers in Epping, Manchester, Newcastle, and London, with fifteen arrests made. Earlier in August, rallies were held near Norwich and Diss, also demanding the closure of hotels housing asylum seekers.

In Northern Ireland, tensions escalated on June 9 in Ballymena after the arrest of two teenagers of Romanian origin on suspicion of sexually assaulting a young girl. Foreign residents were forced to seek refuge, and some displayed signs indicating their non-Eastern European heritage. Housing associations advised residents to secure their properties. On July 10, a bonfire during loyalist celebrations featured mannequins with dark skin and a sign referencing “stop the boats.”

Protests in Spain and Poland

Following an attack on a 68-year-old man in Torre Pacheco, Spain, on July 9, rallies were held in over 80 towns and cities across Spain on July 19. While these rallies remained peaceful, protesters displayed banners expressing opposition to immigration. In Poland, similar demonstrations occurred on July 19, with protesters marching under “Stop immigration” banners.

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Experts suggest that growing inequality, economic anxiety, and social fragmentation contribute to the appeal of identity-based rhetoric. Blaming immigrants for societal problems is seen as a consequence of high housing prices, unemployment, and precarious working conditions. In the UK, youth unemployment is around 14 percent, while in Spain, it exceeds 24 percent.

The influence of figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) and Nigel Farage has amplified anti-immigration sentiment. In Northern Ireland, sectarianism, rooted in the historical conflict known as the Troubles, has contributed to the targeting of immigrants as a new “Other.”

In Spain, the far-right Vox party draws on historical imagery of the Reconquista to reinforce arguments against immigration, emphasizing the preservation of Spain’s territorial unity.

Addressing the Issue

Gemma Pinyol Jiménez, a professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, emphasizes the need to address hate speech and strengthen the welfare state to respond to the needs of the population. Zenia Hellgren, a sociologist at Barcelona’s public university, suggests that addressing underlying economic and social issues is crucial to diminishing the appeal of far-right narratives.