In response to the recent surge in violence and unrest across the UK, the Jesuit Refugee Service UK has issued a statement emphasising the urgent need for both government action and public solidarity.

The attacks, which have targeted people of colour, members of the Muslim community, and asylum seekers, have left many living in fear and insecurity.

JRS UK is calling on the government to take immediate steps to protect these vulnerable groups and is asking the public to challenge the divisive rhetoric fuelling such hostility.

Statement from Sarah Teather, Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK):

"Communities across the UK are reeling today from criminal violence that has threatened people’s lives, injured emergency service workers, and destroyed public facilities.

"People of colour, members of the Muslim community, and people seeking sanctuary have been deliberately targeted. Many of the refugees we serve and others in our communities are living with deep fear and insecurity following these attacks.

"It is imperative that the government takes urgent steps to ensure the safety of all those being targeted, including people in the asylum system, who in many cases have already fled violence and experienced profound trauma.

"At the same time, every one of us has a responsibility to challenge the disinformation and racist, divisive rhetoric fuelling this hostility. Too often, people fleeing danger and searching for a chance to rebuild their lives here have been dehumanised by politicians and others in a position of influence. But scenes of people coming together in the hours following rioting, to care for those affected and repair the physical damage, show the kind of society that we can and truly want to be."

For the latest updates on JRS UK, visit www.jrsuk.net/news/

‍