Charity chief executives have promised to “stand in solidarity” with riot-hit communities in the UK that have faced racist violence during August.
An open letter signed by 58 leaders of international development charities said they would redouble efforts to dismantle racism.
“No family anywhere in the world should have to fear for the safety of their children,” adds the letter, published by Bond on 12 August.
“There is no justification for racism on the streets of the UK,” it says. “This violence is not an isolated incident – it's a symptom of a deeper, pervasive issue we must stand against and actively work to eradicate.”
The CEOs said they would, where appropriate, commit to strengthening networks that support anti-racist work within the UK “and ensure that our work domestically and internationally resonates with wider global anti-racist action”.
The letter came a few days after Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, wrote to charities praising them for “doing everything in your power to bring people together and provide light in a time of darkness” through their response to recent rioting.
Unrest swept many UK cities and towns after three girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport at the end of July.
The Bond member chief executives said they would “support the wellbeing and safety of our colleagues who are directly or indirectly affected by, and fearful of, this violence”.
Follow-up demonstrations targeting immigration solicitors were threatened last week, but largely failed to materialise.
Charities’ security fears
Islamic Relief UK warned this week that some charities have had to “reassess their security situation” in the wake of recent events.
Some of the charity’s partners have had to cancel events or change procedures “to protect staff, volunteers, supporters and rightsholders” who may be targeted by dangerous far-right groups, Islamic Relief UK said in a statement.
It cited examples of community support organisations in Leeds and Bradford that had been forced to cut crucial work, including foodbank distribution, because of security concerns.
Islamic Relief UK itself had cancelled events, including a vigil and fundraisers, over fears participants – in particular Muslim women – could be targeted. The charity had also had to close its shops, it said.
“It is a disgrace that in 2024, charities run by people of colour, who are trying to help the most vulnerable in their community, should have to shut up shop because of this violent thuggery,” said Tufail Hussain, Islamic Relief UK director.
“We commend our local partners who are trying to soldier on in the face of such extreme challenges, but mostly we urge everyone to prioritise their safety first and foremost,” Hussain added.
Investment to heal ’social fractures’
In a second open letter also published on 12 August, representatives and allies of the Pathway Fund, which supports Black and ethnic minoritised-led organisations to access finance, wrote to the prime minister, Keir Starmer, asking for action to tackle the underlying causes of the rioting.
“Riots come from a number of things: lack of opportunity; embedded racism; and poverty – exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis,” says the letter, which calls on Starmer to deliver “inclusive growth” to help rebuild communities.
Referencing recommendations from the Adebowale Commission around establishing a £50m social investment fund, and recent suggestions by former Treasury secretary Stephen Timms that the government harness the power of philanthropy, the letter says the Labour administration must “push forward” with the “transformational” dormant assets scheme.
An expansion to the scheme, which has funnelled hundreds of millions into the charitable sector since 2011, has the potential to unlock an extra £880m.
“Given recent events, we must look to the future and to the inspiration of further transformation,” says the letter, which also calls for a state-funded national conversation about British values and identity.
“Inclusive economic growth allows those conversations to be had – and is one of the best antidotes to addressing fractures in British society.”
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