Race, power and alternative futures

On Saturday 13 September, more than 100,000 people marched through the streets of London for the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest, and under racist banners reading “send them home” and “stop the boats”. The news and social media showed short clips of violence, overt racism towards racialised people on the streets, and hostile confrontations with anti-fascist counter-protesters. But for many of us, this isn’t just something on the news, it’s personal.

It was horrendous to see, and even harder knowing this rise in fascism has been happening not just here in the UK but across the world. It brings a real fear and disappointment — that children continue to grow up in a world where their identity could be used against them, where the very things that are a part of what make them beautiful are the things others try to diminish, exclude or threaten.

We need to be clear that the recent fascist march did not happen in a vacuum. It is part of a broader pattern rooted in racist and Islamophobic rhetoric, as well as the repression of those who speak out against injustice - including those protesting violence and genocide in Gaza. Public figures and institutions have contributed to a climate where migrants and marginalised communities are scapegoated for problems that actually stem from long-standing systemic failures, such as inequality, underfunded services, and institutional mismanagement. This is unfolding within the context of a rising global far-right movement, which has helped to normalise hate, division, and authoritarian tendencies across many societies. Together, these forces have contributed to an environment where extremism can grow and gain legitimacy making it all the more important that we build movements of resistance, solidarity, and care.

Nicc from Co-Production Collective, says:

As a white woman, I need to (rightly so) constantly challenge myself to recognise my privilege and do better. And as a mum to a dual-heritage child, I feel real fear for their future. It is upsetting that in a city as diverse and multicultural as London, so many people could gather behind a vision that doesn’t include people from the global majority. A vision that is racist and discriminatory at its core. What frightens me most is how normalised this level of hate has become. It is no longer just a fringe group of extremists, it is growing crowds being told that exclusion and “purity” are solutions. And still, too many leaders, media outlets and institutions hesitate to call this what it really is — racist and dangerous.

This is not the first time, and we know it won’t be the last. But it makes me even more determined to raise my child to be proud of every part of themselves, to walk through this world with their head held high, to stand up for justice, to see through propaganda, and to never stay silent in the face of hate.

Despite efforts to intimidate and silence those committed to justice and equality, we have seen people resist, speak out, and show up. And that matters. Because our responsibility is not only to protect children’s safety, it’s to make sure racialised people and other marginalised groups can live with belonging and dignity, unapologetically.

Isaac, a co-producer with Co-Production Collective and someone who has been central to pushing our anti-racism work forward, shared what this moment has meant to them:

The rise in racist rhetoric and hostility across the UK has left me feeling really worried and unsafe. It’s been hard to process, and I know I’m not the only one feeling this way. This kind of behaviour has a real impact, and it’s a reminder of why it’s so important that we look out for each other. Hate has no place here, and I’m grateful for the people and support around me that make me feel seen and cared for. If you’re feeling affected too, please don’t carry it alone. Reach out to someone you trust, or someone from Co-Production Collective. Together we can create safe spaces where everyone feels valued.

For Isaac, this isn’t just about what happened on one Saturday, it’s about what it represents. It means living with a heightened sense of risk, of knowing that racism is not abstract but very real, and that it affects their safety, their peace of mind, and their sense of belonging. It also strengthens their resolve — to keep building spaces where racialised people are not only safe but celebrated, and where communities come together to protect one another.

Hania has also been reflecting on what brought us here and what needs to happen next:

We need change at every level from the top-down and bottom-up. We need compassionate policies and routes for safe passage for refugees. We need a better politics than one of ongoing austerity and blaming migrants for government failings. We need government accountability. And every single one of us needs to make it clear where we stand on racism, in words and actions. Solidarity is a verb.

At Co-Production Collective, we are committed to building inclusive communities that collaborate and listen to each other. We know that by coming together from diverse perspectives and backgrounds, we can embrace change and reflect on how to challenge the status quo, with kindness being at the heart of our interactions. We are drawing on these values at the Collective to imagine better futures, rise above hateful rhetoric, and build the society that we want to be a part of.

So, how do we actually look out for each other in times like this? This dark moment has prompted us to reflect on how we are showing up and what we are doing to build brighter futures than the one imagined by the protestors of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march. Here are some simple things that can make a real difference:

• Check in with people, sometimes a quick message asking, “how are you doing?” can mean the world
• Challenge harmful comments when it feels safe to do so, silence only emboldens hate
• Stand alongside people at protests, meetings or even in the workplace, so no one feels isolated
• Share resources and support, have a conversation with others - whether that’s articles, events, or utilising wellbeing services
• Take care of yourself too, we can only support others when we’re looking after our own wellbeing

We would also like to draw attention to grassroots movements at UCL, set up by staff and students, such as the Anti-Genocide University.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” His words remind us that when one group is targeted, we are all at risk, and we all have a shared responsibility to stand up, speak out and defend justice for all.

What’s next?

At Co-Production Collective, we’ve previously hosted solidarity spaces - dedicated sessions where people can share their experiences in a way that feels safe and supportive. These are specifically for racialised individuals and other marginalised groups, giving them a platform without fear of self-censorship or white fragility.

We will be starting these spaces again very soon. They will be run by and for racialised individuals within our staff and community, with a rolling programme of dates. We are committed to continuing them for as long as people want and need them. If you would like to take part please email us at coproduction@ucl.ac.uk.  

We also want to reassure all our staff and co-producers that your safety and well-being are central to us. Please take a moment to read our Co-Production Collective Safeguarding Statement if you haven’t already.

Our unity in action won’t just protect those closest to us, it will stand as a beacon of hope and resilience against the injustices we face in society today.

Image Credit: Photo by La Fabbrica Dei Sogni on Unspash.