The divisive nature of the July 4, 2024 General Election in the UK
Today marks the highly anticipated UK Parliamentary election, also known as the general election, set to commence on Thursday, 4th July 2024. It is expected that many UK citizens will be heading towards their nearest polling stations to vote for their favoured party. However, reports show that Britain is heading for the lowest general election turnout in modern history, with many voters feeling “politically homeless.” Techne UK’s recent poll indicates that, even with a month to go, 20% of people have already decided not to vote. The lack of trust in the political parties that are currently campaigning stems from several issues. For example, mainstream parties like Labour, the Conservatives and the Reform Party have been caught up in controversies that deepen societal divisions. Labour has faced accusations of antisemitism, while the Conservatives and the Reform Party have been criticised for their stances on issues like immigration, which some see as anti-Muslim and anti-migrant.
The handling of these issues has led to polarisation among voters, with conflicting views on how to address these challenges effectively. And as a result, many voters feel marginalised and disconnected from the political process. This overall sense of disengagement is likely to lead to a record-low voter turnout in the upcoming election. This article will highlight how divisive rhetoric affects social unity in the UK.
Labour Party and Accusations of Antisemitism
The Labour Party is one of the major political left-wing parties in the UK, known for representing the interests of the working class and advocates for social justice and progressive policies. Keir Starmer is the current leader of the Labour Party following Jeremy Corbyn’s resignation in 2019. As a leader, Starmer is focused on uniting the party. In his manifesto, Starmer pledges to deliver economic stability, cut NHS waiting times and strengthen measures against antisocial behaviour. Starmer also vows to cancel the government’s plan to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda, which was first announced in 2022 but has been delayed by legal challenges. On the other hand, the Conservative Party aims to remove them from the UK, either under the Rwanda scheme or to other countries.
Though Starmer is favoured to win the election this week, there remains a significant divide within the Jewish community in the UK. This division stems largely from the Labour Party’s handling of the Israel-Gaza war. The handling and stance of the conflict has played a significant role in dividing the Jewish and Muslim community in the UK. Some members of the Jewish community have expressed their concerns over Labour’s stance on Israel and the rising antisemitism. Despite Keir Starmer’s best efforts to address these issues and rebuild relationships within the Jewish community, more than 40% of public think Labour still has antisemitism problem.
Sky News screenshot on 04.07.24
In addition to Labour’s growing divide in the Jewish community, the Labour party has been criticised for backing Rochdale candidate Azhar Ali in February 2024 who claims that Israel deliberately allowed Hamas’s October 7th massacre in order to invade Gaza. These comments not only perpetuate antisemitism but also deeply affect the Jewish community, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories. The Labour Party has stated that Ali simply fell for online conspiracy theory and that his comments are out of character. However, the incident has exacerbated existing concerns about antisemitism within the party, further alienating parts of the Jewish community.
More antisemitic incidents have emerged from the Labour Party prior to Azhar Ali’s inflammatory comments in February 2024. In 2020, Steve Reed, the Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary apologised in 2020 for describing a Jewish businessman as “the puppet master” in a now deleted tweet, a phrase widely recognised as an antisemitic trope. Steve Reed’s comments are problematic and considered antisemitic because they invoke the stereotype of Jews as powerful manipulators. This harmful trope suggests that Jews secretly control events or people, a myth that has fuelled discrimination and violence against the Jewish community for centuries. Reed’s use of this language, perpetuates these dangerous stereotypes, highlighting the need for greater awareness and sensitivity within the Labour Party and beyond.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report, released on October 29, 2020, highlighted the critical issue of antisemitism within the Labour Party. The report revealed significant problems including harassment and discrimination related to antisemitism. It pointed out that the party needed to take substantial steps to rebuild trust with the Jewish community.
To regain this trust, the EHRC recommended that the Labour Party make clear, effective policies for handling complaints about antisemitism. They also stressed the importance of providing better training for party members to recognise and address antisemitic behaviour. The EHRC called on party leaders to show strong commitment to fighting antisemitism and creating an environment where such discrimination is quickly condemned and dealt with.
Moving forward, it’s crucial for the Labour Party not only to follow these recommendations but also to show through their actions that they’re serious about rooting out antisemitism. This includes being open about their efforts and progress to rebuild trust and ensure accountability with the Jewish community and the public.
While Starmer’s leadership has shown a willingness to address these issues, there remains much work to be done. The party must continue to take concrete steps, communicate clearly, and consistently uphold their commitment to confronting antisemitism effectively.
Reform Party and Accusations of Antisemitism
The Labour Party is not the only political party facing accusations of antisemitism. The Reform Party, a notable right-wing party, has also been implicated in instances where its candidates have been accused of antisemitic behaviour, exposed by NGO, Campaign Against Antisemitism in a social media post. This includes tweets that were shared, some with links to vidoes and articles, invoking antisemitic tropes such as claims that Jewish people controls banks and that Israel was behind the 9/11 attacks.
These tweets are deeply problematic and antisemitic because they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories that have been historically used to scapegoat and discriminate against Jewish people. The claim that Israel was responsible for 9/11 promotes the dangerous and false idea of Jewish or Zionist involvement in global tragedies, fuelling hatred and mistrust.
Campaign Against Antisemitism recently created a social media post about the alarming level of antisemitism in the Reform Party.
Such rhetoric not only spreads misinformation but also contributes to an environment of intolerance and hostility towards Jewish communities. It is important for political parties and their candidates to be vigilant against antisemitism and to ensure that their statements and actions do not contribute to antisemitic sentiment.
Conservatives and Reform: Anti-Muslim and Anti-Migrant Rhetoric
The upcoming elections are heavily centred on the migrant issue, which is shaping much of the debate. Right-wing parties like the Conservatives and Reform Party are actively pushing a narrative focused on cutting immigration. They are using this stance not just as a campaign promise but also as a way to attract a particular type of voter.
These leaders are weaponizing the anti-immigrant narrative to stoke anti-Muslim sentiment. By linking immigration to broader fears and stereotypes about Muslims, they are tapping into prejudices and using them to garner support. This strategy not only polarises public opinion but also risks fuelling discrimination and division within communities.
The issue of the migrant policy, particularly concerning the proposed plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, has been deeply divisive within the Muslim community in the UK. Many feel it’s unjust and could harm vulnerable people escaping danger. They argue it goes against human rights principles and raises concerns about how the UK treats asylum seekers. The proposal has sparked significant concern and protests among Muslim communities, who see it as part of broader discriminatory practices targeting marginalised groups.
Screenshot from Telegraph 04.07.24
The Conservatives have made ending immigration their primary goal, launching an anti-immigration campaign video ahead of the elections. They support measures like the Rwanda asylum seeker scheme, claiming it would deter new arrivals.
Meanwhile, the Reform Party, led by figures like Nigel Farage, has adopted a more confrontational approach. Farage, for instance, has stated his party will “stop the invasion,” employing language that directly links immigration to broader anti-Muslim and anti-migrant rhetoric. Portraying immigration as an “invasion” perpetuates harmful stereotypes about Muslims and migrants, portraying them as a threat rather than individuals seeking a better life. This rhetoric echoes the discredited “great replacement theory”, falsely suggesting immigrants, especially Muslims, are replacing native populations. Conversely, the UK media tends to amplify statements like Farage’s to evoke strong emotional reactions and to emphasise a sense of urgency or threat by using sensationalist language in headlines and news stories. This highlights how the traditional media plays a significant role in reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Muslim migrants and therefore should remain careful and considerate.
On the other hand, the Conservative Party has faced accusations of promoting anti-Muslim sentiment, highlighted by Lee Anderson, their former deputy chairman. Anderson stirred controversy by suggesting that “Islamists” control London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, a prominent Muslim figure in the UK. These remarks received widespread criticism, with Khan condemning them as “Islamophobic, anti-Muslim, and racist.” Anderson’s comments are troubling because they reinforce stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Muslims taking over the UK, this type of rhetoric not only is it dangerous and harmful, but it risks dividing communities.
While Lee Anderson was expelled from the Conservatives, Suella Braverman is running again for the party despite being sacked from her role as Home Secretary for controversial comments. In an article for The Telegraph, Braverman fuelled anti-Muslim sentiment by linking Muslims who support pro-Palestinian protests to terrorism. She portrayed these demonstrations as endorsing violence and criticised the police for allegedly tolerating chants like “jihad.” This portrayal stereotypes Muslims as inherently violent or sympathetic to extremism.
There are concerns about candidates accused of promoting anti-Muslim hate being allowed to stand for election under both parties. Individuals like Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman, despite making controversial remarks linking Muslims to terrorism and perpetuating negative stereotypes, have been accepted as candidates. This normalisation of discriminatory rhetoric in politics undermines efforts to promote inclusivity and tolerance.
As the election nears, how we handle immigration and support for Muslim communities will be crucial. It’s vital that our political discussions bring people together rather than drive us apart. We need policies and dialogue that respect our diversity and promote unity in our communities.
Today is the Day to do Better
As the election day arrives, the political climate in the UK remains deeply divided and controversial. Both Labour and right-wing parties like the Conservatives and Reform Party have faced serious accusations that highlight why candidates who have histories of making inflammatory and discriminatory remarks should not be allowed to stand for their parties. It suggests that such rhetoric is normalised in politics and this type of divisive language can threaten social unity and foster an environment that is unsafe for the Muslim and Jewish community.
Political leaders should do better, and their focus should be on creating a society that values diversity and promotes unity, respect and understanding.
Explore more of our resources on countering hate speech, anti-Muslim, and antisemitic tropes on our website. Don't miss our guide on tackling conspiracy theories for further insights.
