Say No to Exaggerating Far-Right Protests… Yes to Facing Them with Confidence

From time to time, Britain witnesses calls for demonstrations by far-right groups. With fresh calls for such protests on 13 September, the debate within the Arab and Muslim community has resurfaced: how best to respond? Some voices exaggerate the threat to the point of instilling fear, while others call for a confident and organised community response.

Between Caution and Alarmism

It is only natural to be cautious and vigilant, just as we advise people to guard against phone theft or road accidents. This is a rational duty. The problem arises when caution turns into excessive alarmism – when, for example, Muslim women are told not to leave their homes, or Muslims in general are urged to stay indoors as if the streets belong to the far-right alone.

Such discourse is illogical. It reflects fear, retreat, and exaggeration in the wrong place. Experience shows that far-right marches are usually small in number, poorly organised, and quick to fizzle out. Police responses have consistently been firm in containing them and preventing them from taking control of public spaces.

No Place for a Culture of Fear

Abandoning the streets to the far-right gives them a false sense of power, as though they can dominate public life. We must not allow this. Our streets do not belong to them, and they have no right to sow fear among ordinary people. To give in to fear is the greatest gift we could hand them.

The Role of the Arab and Muslim Community and Institutions

In contrast, many Islamic organisations and civic bodies are calling for counter-demonstrations on 13 September – to reject racism and extremism, and to affirm that these groups do not represent Britain or its values. The message to them must be clear: you are a rejected minority, and we will not allow you to impose hate speech on our society.

How Should We Respond?

• With confidence, not fear: We go about our day as normal, with awareness and vigilance, but without retreat or overreaction.
• Through organised presence: Taking part in counter-demonstrations demonstrates the strength and unity of the Arab and Muslim community.
• By working with allies: Engaging with trade unions, civic groups, and anti-racist organisations ensures the message is a collective one from society as a whole.

The real challenge does not lie in the far-right demonstrations themselves, but in our response. If we choose fear and withdrawal, we hand them exactly what they seek. But if we face them with confidence, organisation, and a strong public presence, we will return them to their true size: a fringe minority with no claim to represent this country or its values.

On 13 September, let us be where we should be: out on the streets, together, to affirm that hate speech has no place in Britain – and that the Arab and Muslim community is an integral part of this nation, rejecting racism and standing united against it.