We are shocked and alarmed by the rape of a 20-year-old Sikh woman in Oldbury, which has been reported as racially motivated and another act of violence against women and girls.
This attack is a clear example of racialised sexual violence. A young woman has been left traumatised for life.
Our thoughts, prayers and solidarity remain with her. Racist abuse is rising across the UK – in schools, against NHS staff and on our streets.
The National flag is being misused by some to intimidate and divide, rather than unite our diverse country.
This hate has real-world consequences for people who simply want to live peacefully, contribute to society and support their families. We urge the government and all political parties to comply with the United Nations call for urgent action to curb racist hate speech.
This is not a time for pandering to racist hate speech or racist rhetoric. It is a time to address the real grievances – poverty and the economic crisis, rather than scapegoating migrants. History shows us that when poverty deepens, racism and extremism rise.
It is imperative that the government acts to address the racism, the increase in poverty, and to ensure that violence against women and racialised communities is treated seriously.