By Marchu Belete, co-director, Migration Exchange
7 August will be remembered as a watershed moment—a day when charities across the UK, dedicated to supporting people seeking asylum, were compelled to close their doors. This closure was not the result of a direct attack, but rather a precautionary response to the looming threat of planned riots. Though the anticipated violence did not materialise, the fear it instilled in us was undeniable.
By midday on Wednesday, an overwhelming sense of unease had taken hold. The idea that our sanctuaries—places where we provide safety and support to people who are seeking safety, having fled warzones, torture and trauma—could be targeted by hate-driven riots, was deeply distressing. For those of us who have navigated the UK’s immigration system and now work within it, the trauma of that experience resurfaced, compounded by the responsibility we bear for the safety of those who continue to tread that path.
At lunchtime, amid this uncertainty, a group of 25 of us convened. We represented around 25 organisations, spanning cities such as Manchester, Rochdale, Liverpool, Coventry, Birmingham, London, and Glasgow. Each of us carried not only our personal histories but also the collective burden of ensuring the wellbeing of our communities during this time of heightened threat.
This gathering was not just a response to fear—it was a demonstration of our shared resolve. While far-right groups may have failed to bring violence to our doors that day, they succeeded in reminding us of the persistent dangers that still threaten our society, driven by harmful rhetoric and systemic racism.
As the day unfolded, something remarkable emerged from the tension. What had been feared as a night of violence turned into an evening of solidarity. Across the country, rather than rioting, we witnessed acts of support and unity. People from all walks of life stood together against the hate that had threatened to engulf us. The messages of solidarity we received, the spontaneous gatherings of allies, and the widespread rejection of far-right extremism provided a powerful counter-narrative to the fear we had experienced.
However, this newfound hope is tempered by ongoing concern. The trauma and fear we felt last week are far from resolved. The events of 7 August exposed the systemic flaws in the UK’s migration system and underscored the urgent need for substantive change. It is clear that the safety of our communities cannot be assured simply by closing our doors in the face of threats. We require meaningful, concrete actions to address the root causes of this hatred.
Our lived experiences uniquely position us to contribute to meaningful reforms in the UK’s asylum system. We have written joint letters calling on charity leaders to ensure the safety of all staff, especially those from racialised communities, by implementing robust measures. Integrate racial justice into every aspect of your work, develop and enforce anti-racism strategies, and make racial justice central in all campaigns. Provide flexible working arrangements and adequate support through employee assistance programmes and supervision. Promote and support the leadership of individuals with lived experience in decision-making processes.
7 August was a day marked by fear, but it was also a day that reinforced our collective resolve. While we may have closed our doors in response to a threat, our commitment to advocating for justice and safety for all people seeking asylum has never been stronger. This is a challenge that demands our full attention and united effort. Together, we must rise to meet it.
