UK Charities Warn of Rising Abuse Fueled by Toxic Immigration Rhetoric

Civil society groups report threats, vandalism and violence as far-right narratives escalate across Britain.

Charitable organizations across the United Kingdom are raising the alarm over a surge in racial abuse, intimidation, and violent threats targeting their staff and beneficiaries. The rise comes amid increasingly toxic rhetoric around immigration and race driven by extremist activists and amplified by divisive political statements. Many charities now say they are being forced to implement stringent security measures just to protect workers and property, describing the climate as one that risks becoming “the new normal.”

Wide Range of Charities Under Attack

The wave of hostility has not been limited to a single group. Refugee and asylum support organizations, Muslim, Jewish and ethnic minority charities, women’s shelters, youth outreach centers, and even charity shops have all reported being targeted. Incidents have included threats to rape or kill staff, verbal and physical assaults on service users, and vandalism of offices with racist and anti-migrant graffiti.
Saskia Konynenburg, executive director at the National Council for Voluntary Organizations (NCVO), said charities were being attacked “because of what they stand for and who they support.”

Far-Right Rhetoric Driving the Violence

Many groups trace this escalation back to the 2024 Southport riots, a series of far-right protests that triggered widespread violence against immigrant communities. Since then, extremist networks have used social media platforms and political talking points about “small boats” and immigration to spread inflammatory narratives. Charities say these messages have emboldened individuals to act on hate, both online and in person, creating an increasingly hostile environment for volunteers and staff.

Charities Unite in Appeal to Government

In response, a coalition of more than 150 organizations, including Age UK, Citizens Advice, and the Muslim Council of Britain, have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The letter urges him to challenge the far-right’s campaign of division and to stand against political figures who use civil society groups as scapegoats for social frustration. The charities argue that the current political climate risks legitimizing hate and eroding Britain’s tradition of inclusivity.

‘We Must Stand United,’ Say Leaders

Ali Harris, chief executive of the human rights group Equally Ours, which coordinated the letter, highlighted the urgency of collective action. Referring to the antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Synagogue, Harris said it was a stark reminder that unity was vital:

“The organizations in this coalition and the communities we serve are experiencing growing threats and aggression. People with extreme views are becoming increasingly violent in expressing their hatred.”

She added that hate-fueled acts now occur in places of worship, public transport, workplaces, and high streets showing how pervasive the threat has become.

Political Climate Creating a ‘Permission Structure’ for Hate

Charity leaders said that mainstream political rhetoric particularly from the right has created a “permission structure” for racism. By framing refugees and immigrants as threats, some politicians have effectively normalized hostility, emboldening extremists to act. The results have been visible: graffiti attacks, attempted break-ins, and harassment of volunteers across several cities. In one example, a drugs and alcohol charity in East London had its building repeatedly defaced with far-right slogans such as “East London stands with Southport.”

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Tightened Security and Rising Fear

Faced with growing danger, many charities have increased security spending and implemented drastic safety measures. These include installing safe rooms, providing staff trackers, hiring security guards, and even removing organization names and personal details from public websites to protect identities. Some groups have suspended outreach programs or temporarily closed offices on police advice. One charity leader admitted that “60% of our time is now spent managing safety issues rather than helping people.”

Resilience Amid Fear

Despite the hostile climate, many charity workers remain committed to their missions. A London-based head of an asylum support charity, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, said: “We do this work because we care. The people we support have already been through unimaginable suffering. They deserve safety and kindness.”

This spirit of determination underscores the broader humanitarian purpose of the sector even in the face of fear and intimidation.

Charities Call for Government Leadership

The coalition’s letter calls on the government to take clear and consistent leadership in upholding inclusion, equality, and anti-racism values. It condemns political scapegoating that “fuels hate for political gain” and warns of rising xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and sexism. The charities argue that civil society groups, lawyers and minority advocates are under coordinated attack — both through hate speech and physical threats.

Government’s Response

In response, a government spokesperson stated that racism “has no place in our society” and reaffirmed its commitment to equality. The spokesperson added:

“We have a strong legal framework to deal with perpetrators of hate crimes and will ensure that responsible face justice.”

However, many organizations remain skeptical, saying that words must be matched with stronger protections and accountability.

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