UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British charities warn that harsh immigration talk is leading to threats and attacks on staff and call on the government for stronger protection.
As reported by The Guardian, charities have raised alarm over increasing racial intimidation and threats to staff. They say this is linked to toxic political and extremist talk about immigration and race.
What did volunteer organisations say about rising threats and attacks?
Voluntary groups report increasing pressure to protect staff and assets, with one charity leader warning it could become the “new normal” after recent attacks.
Refugee and asylum seeker charities, ethnic and religious minority groups, and women’s organisations are facing violence, threats, and abuse.
Charities report threats to rape and kill staff, verbal and physical attacks on beneficiaries, break-in attempts at charity properties, and vandalism to offices and accommodation.
What did charities say about rising far-right threats?
Saskia Konynenburg, from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said charities faced attacks over the causes they support, adding, “We are being targeted because of who we support and what we stand for.”
Since the far-right Southport riots in 2024, charities report that threats have grown sharper and more targeted, fueled by divisive political and social media rhetoric on immigrants and “small boats.” They said the harassment has grown more extreme and unchecked, both online and in person.
Over 150 charities, including Age UK and Citizens Advice, wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They want him to stop far-right politicians and activists from targeting charities.
Ali Harris, head of the equality and human rights group Equally Ours, which organised the letter, said,
“The devastating antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Synagogue is a tragic reminder that it’s never been more important for us all to stand united when any of our communities are targeted.”
He added,
“We are taking this collective stand because the organisations in this coalition and the communities we serve are experiencing growing threats and aggression – in places of worship, offices, shops, on public transport and high streets. People with extreme views are increasingly violent in how they express or act on their hatred.”
A charity leader said rising right-wing political rhetoric attacking immigrants and refugees has deepened ethnic tensions. They added that this has created a “permission structure” for racism, allowing far-right actors to act on racist impulses.
One refugee charity chief says the organisation now spends “60% of its time managing safety issues related to far-right activism.” Another said it may spend thousands on personal safety measures amid rising threats. One head of a charity called for intensive staff protection measures as the “new normal.”
A London charity chief supporting asylum seekers said the threats were intimidating, yet staff remained committed to their work, adding,
“We do the work we do because we care and the people we support have been through terrible things and deserve a bit of kindness.”
Charitie’s letter to Keir Starmer about rising far-right threats
The letter sent to Sir Keir Starmer urged the government to provide clear and consistent leadership, defend inclusion, equality, and anti-racism, and take a stand against division and hate.
It reads,
“We are witnessing the significant damage to people of all backgrounds caused by the far-right’s cynical spreading of division and hostility between communities, their undermining of the rule of law, and the weaponisation of violence against women and girls.”
The letter added,
“We are experiencing increasing racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia and antisemitism on the streets and in workplaces, including abuse of charity staff and charity shop volunteers. All this alongside attacks by the media and threats of violence against lawyers and civil society groups working with migrant and other marginalised communities.”
UK government’s views on tackling racism and hate crimes
A government spokesperson stated,
“Racism is completely unacceptable and has no place in our society. This government has pride in our tolerant and diverse country, and we are dedicated to tackling inequality at its roots, including working closely with ethnic minority leaders to enact change.”
They added,
“We have a strong legal framework in place to deal with the perpetrators of racism and other forms of hate crime and expect those responsible for these abhorrent offences to be brought to justice.”
How are charities in East London responding to far-right threats?
A drug and alcohol charity in East London used to share space with a refugee support group. It was vandalised with far-right graffiti and a George Cross. Volunteers repainted the office, but far-right activists returned and sprayed the words “East London stands with Southport,” referring to the 2024 Southport riots.
Some charities are boosting safety with safe rooms, phone trackers, guards, and removing personal information.
Several have closed offices, paused outreach, and made emergency plans on police advice.
Key facts about domestic abuse and sexual assault in the UK
In the year ending March 2025, an estimated 5.1 million adults in the UK experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, roughly one in ten people. Domestic abuse alone affected 3.8 million adults during the same period.
During the same period, police in England and Wales recorded 815,941 domestic abuse-related offences, a 4% decrease from the previous year.