This August, the world witnessed a tragic and unsettling chapter unfold across the UK. The neo-fascist riots, ignited by the senseless murder of three girls in Southport, have left communities in turmoil and hearts shattered. Among the children killed was a young girl who was both Portuguese and British, just like my own son. Seeing this unfold with him from a television at my parents’ home in North East Portugal, where we spend the best part of August each year, was a surreal experience, prompting me to reflect on the broader societal implications of such violence.

Born and raised in a traditionally poor part of Portugal, I never imagined that the UK would become my adopted home. Like many migrants, I arrived with hopes of expanding my horizons and returning to my homeland within a few years. Against all the odds here I am over 30 years later, having found my vocation: dedicating my life to preventing homelessness and improving homelessness efforts in communities across the country.

As I watched the developments from Portugal, my heart ached not just for the victims and their families but for the very fabric of our society, which is being attacked by the sinister forces of hatred and division. This episode underlines a broader societal issue - the pervasive fear and ignorance that often turn communities against each other, fueling a cycle of poverty, homelessness, and violence. 

I have been hearing whispers of rising tensions for some time now, and it is clear that this was long in the making. The current crisis is a culmination of years of populist rhetoric, economic inequality, and social fragmentation. At this time it’s important to act decisively, which the new Government has done; it is also important to start taking steps to prevent future incidents.

The current riots did not emerge from a vacuum 

The recent riots represent the peak of a growing tide of populism and anti-migrant rhetoric that has been building for years. Historically, periods of economic uncertainty and social change have often given rise to scapegoating and the targeting of minority communities. The UK, like most of the world, is no stranger to this pattern, although the extent and manner in which it manifests can differ from other European countries.

Today, the "us versus them" narrative thrives, sowing division and mistrust. This distortion of the truth is evident in the rise of populist leaders and the role of social media in spreading fear and division, exploiting societal vulnerabilities for political gain.

Michael Sandel, a leading political theorist, argues that "when people feel left out and voiceless, they are drawn to populism". This feeling of disenfranchisement can be seen in the rhetoric that fuels the kind of neo-fascism we are witnessing today. Sandel's insights remind us that the failure to address economic inequality and social justice creates a breeding ground for extremist ideologies.

The connection to homelessness

Working to prevent homelessness has given me first-hand insight into the struggles that many face in today’s society. Homelessness is not just a result of economic hardship; it is also deeply intertwined with social exclusion, discrimination, and systemic failure. Many of those who end up homeless are victims of policies and societal attitudes that marginalise them.

Michael Sandel's critique of meritocracy is especially relevant here. In his book, The Tyranny of Merit, Sandel explains how the meritocratic ideal, while seemingly fair, often leads to a society where the winners feel entitled to their success, while the losers feel humiliated by their failure. This dynamic fosters a sense of alienation and resentment, which populist leaders exploit by blaming migrants and other marginalised groups for societal woes.

The situation places asylum seekers and low-skilled economic migrants at a greater risk of homelessness. The hostile environment policies that some governments adopt leave these individuals vulnerable to exploitation and destitution. Without access to stable housing, employment opportunities, or social support, they are often pushed to the margins of society, where they face increased risks of homelessness and poverty.

However, it's crucial to recognise that the "losers" in this meritocratic system also include individuals who feel left behind by society and become attracted to far-right populist ideas. Their disenfranchisement often stems from the same systemic issues that lead to homelessness, such as lack of opportunity, economic instability, and social exclusion. If community cohesion measures are to succeed, the lot of these individuals must also be improved.

We must be candid that a core element of the solution should be an immigration and asylum policy that commands much greater public confidence. Yes, this means far faster processing of asylum claims and where these are successful, as most are, support to move into stable accommodation. But it also means tighter management of legal migration and a more effective response to illegal migration.

Bridging Divides for True Cohesion

The path to a truly cohesive society involves recognising the shared struggles of different marginalised groups, including those who may have been drawn to extremist ideologies out of desperation. By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to their disenfranchisement, we can create a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Importantly, it is the only way we can prevent future incidents from happening

Interestingly, the recent riots did not affect Scottish cities as severely as others in the UK. This may be attributed to Scotland’s approach to community integration and its emphasis on inclusivity. Scotland has long prioritised building community cohesion through its policies, focusing on education, community engagement, and support for minority groups.

One key factor in Scotland’s success is its approach to education and cultural understanding. Schools in Scotland place a strong emphasis on teaching about different cultures and promoting tolerance from a young age. 

In the UK more broadly, far right movements have historically been less successful than in some other European countries, but as recent developments have made abundantly clear, they are nonetheless significant and pose a challenge to social cohesion. The current situation presents a good opportunity for the UK Government to examine successful approaches from other countries and try some of those out domestically.

Two countries worth looking at are Canada and Germany, each with distinct strategies for addressing social division and extremism.

In Canada, various programmes support local projects that promote social inclusion and integration. Two notable examples are the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative and the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Community Building Fund, both of which aim to foster a sense of belonging among diverse groups by funding grassroots organisations that work to bridge cultural divides. One successful project involved bringing together different cultural communities to share their histories and traditions, leading to greater mutual understanding and respect. Another significant aspect of Canada's approach is its focus on language education. With English and French as the official languages, Canadian schools prioritise bilingual education, but many regions also offer instruction in Indigenous and other community languages, especially in areas with significant linguistic diversity. This reflects Canada's commitment to multiculturalism and its recognition of community-specific needs.

Germany has implemented several programmes to address issues related to neo-fascism and right wing extremism, offering valuable lessons despite ongoing challenges. Programmes such as ‘EXIT Deutschland’ and ‘Jugend Stärken’ have shown positive results in addressing radicalisation. EXIT Deutschland supports individuals seeking to leave far-right extremist groups by providing practical assistance and psychological support. Evaluations have shown that the programme effectively reduces recidivism rates amongst extremists. Similarly, ‘Jugend Stärken’, focuses on preventing radicalisation among young people by providing education and vocational training, and counselling services. Evaluations demonstrated the programme’s success in engaging at-risk youth and offering opportunities for social integration.

While Germany and Canada have different challenges and employ distinct approaches, and the history of right-wing extremism is much stronger in Germany than the UK, there are nevertheless valuable lessons and inspirations to be drawn from these and other countries as they tackle similar challenges.

Key ingredients for successful community integration

To recap, for community cohesion measures to work effectively, we must address the conditions of those attracted to far-right populist ideals due to their disenchantment with the current system. Successful community integration requires improving their lot and several key components:

One is economic opportunities, by providing access to jobs and training that enable upward mobility for those who feel left behind by the meritocratic system. This involves creating pathways to employment for both migrants and UK-born citizens who struggle to find stable work that pays.

A second is inclusive education, by fostering a school system that promotes understanding and empathy among diverse groups, breaking down the barriers of "us versus them" and encouraging shared experiences.

Another is community engagement: offering platforms for dialogue that involve all community members, including those drawn to extremist ideologies, to voice their concerns and work together towards common goals.

Next is building support systems that not only prevent marginalisation and homelessness but also address the root causes of disenfranchisement, offering hope and stability to all vulnerable groups.

Finally, we need to strengthen migration policy. A key component of building an inclusive society is to re-evaluate and strengthen our migration policies to ensure they reflect our values of justice and inclusion. We should aim to create environments where locals and migrants alike can thrive.

Building a Better Future

As a Portuguese migrant who has found a home in the UK, I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is my hope that we can move forward with compassion and understanding, building a future where all individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive. 

Sandel reminds us that "a politics of the common good seeks to cultivate solidarity by encouraging citizens to see themselves as members of a shared community". This sentiment should guide our actions as we strive to build bridges and foster understanding in a world that so desperately needs it.

The ongoing violence in the UK is a sobering reminder of the challenges we face in building a just and inclusive society. By addressing the systemic issues that contribute to social division and homelessness, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A just society values all its members and works to ensure that no one is left behind. 

By embracing empathy, promoting education, fostering community cohesion, and evaluating what works, we can turn the tide against populism and build a society that truly reflects the values of justice and inclusion. Our migration policy must be at the forefront of this effort, ensuring that it supports a society where everyone feels they belong and can contribute positively.

If we do this, we will not only prevent future incidents of violence and division, but also build a more resilient, unified, happier and productive society.

• Dr Ligia Teixeira is Chief Executive of the Centre for Homelessness Impact

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Photo of Southport clean up courtesy of Stand Up For Southport