Near Neighbours: Local Cohesion Forum report - Birmingham

A community perspective on the 2024 race riots

Between 30 July and 7 August 2024, the UK experienced 29 anti-immigration demonstrations across 27 towns and cities. These events included violent attacks on mosques, hotels housing asylum seekers, and other signs of Muslim presence in ethnically diverse communities. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reported that by 30 August, 1,280 people had been arrested, with 796 formally charged. Far-right activists were known to have promoted and participated in the riots, making this the most significant civil disorder since the 2011 riots, which resulted in over 4,000 arrests.

For the communities targeted—particularly Muslims—the riots were widely seen as expressions of Islamophobia, though not always accurately portrayed. Many Muslim leaders and activists criticized the official narrative and media coverage for downplaying the anti-Muslim sentiment central to the unrest. Beyond the immediate violence, the riots raised deep questions about identity, belonging, and safety, especially in cities like Birmingham where many had friends and family affected by the violence elsewhere.

The riots challenged the very notion of community cohesion and brought into sharp focus the complexities of living in neighborhoods where diversity and difference are a daily reality. Feelings of insecurity and division were deeply felt, exposing the urgent need for greater understanding and solidarity.

This report was necessary to provide a community-focused perspective that is often missing from official accounts and media coverage. It highlights the real impact of the riots on people’s lives and stresses the importance of rebuilding trust and cohesion in diverse communities.

For those seeking to understand the impact of the riots from the viewpoint of affected communities and to explore recommendations for rebuilding trust and cohesion, the full report is available through the Near Neighbours Local Cohesion Forum Birmingham. You can read the complete document here.