British MP Naz Shah: We need to amplify minority stories

As a British Muslim MP committed to equality, I am deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of everyone in this country following last week’s unprecedented wave of violence targeting Muslims and minority groups.

We have witnessed deeply troubling incidents: far-right rioters setting fire to hotels sheltering asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth, a racist assault on a mosque in Northern Ireland, and violent mobs targeting Black and Muslim communities.

Despite widespread international condemnation and powerful responses from thousands who have taken to the streets in anti-racist counter-protests, some disturbing voices are attempting to rewrite the narrative surrounding these targeted attacks on religious and ethnic minorities.

Among these voices is Elon Musk, owner of X, who pretends to champion “concern for all communities,” while conveniently ignoring his platform’s role in fuelling xenophobic sentiments. Musk’s weakened content moderation and the reinstatement of dangerous figures like Nicholas Fuentes have fuelled conspiracy theories, promoting the idea of a biassed policing system.

The call for concern for all communities may seem benign, but it downplays the specific suffering of minorities affected by violence. This tactic mirrors efforts to undermine the Black Lives Matter movement, using the empty slogan of "all lives matter" to dilute its impact.

But reducing the experiences of minorities to mere social disturbances risks missing the underlying causes of these riots and learning nothing from them, almost ensuring another xenophobic outbreak in the near future.

The divisive policies of the 14-year Tory government have failed to counter the discord fuelled by far-right agitators online. We must resist this false narrative of broad-mindedness or risk weakening the vital perspectives needed to combat the spread of hate and xenophobia.

As we move past recent disturbances, it is vital to elevate the voices of minority communities. Ensuring their concerns are integrated into mainstream discourse is essential to countering the far-right narrative that depicts them as undeserving of support.

Labour’s legislative agenda includes a Race Equality Act to secure equal pay rights for Black, Asian, and minority workers, aligning with the protections for women. While this initiative is a step toward countering rising inequality, it addresses only the material consequences of systemic issues, overlooking the cultural barriers that perpetuate these problems. The media’s underrepresentation and negative portrayals of minority groups remain unchallenged, leaving communities vulnerable to exploitation by xenophobic agendas.

To address this, I propose establishing minority-led media platforms in the UK, both traditional and digital, to elevate diverse perspectives. Moreover, I advocate for initiatives that foster minority leadership in politics, education, and business.

Successful global examples, such as Blavity – a digital media company for Black millennials – and AJ+, which highlights underreported stories from the Middle East, demonstrate the demand for non-traditional viewpoints. These platforms prove that the digital space can be a venue for underrepresented communities to address their issues without diminishing the voices of others.

In a recent House of Commons debate on Islamophobia, I stressed that by amplifying Muslim voices, “we are not looking for preferential treatment.” Instead, “we are asking for equal treatment, free of discrimination, injustice and hatred.” A minority-led outlet serves as a platform offering diverse perspectives and bridging cultural divides, not deepening them.

Establishing these platforms in Britain is crucial for amplifying the perspectives of younger generations. With traditional UK media primarily catering to an older, right-leaning audience, it’s no surprise that the "Youth Voices 2024" report reveals significant disillusionment among young people. Nearly 60% of under-18s feel overlooked by politicians on critical issues like climate change, human rights, housing, and the economy.

In the midst of persistent racial divides, fewer than half of young people (48%) remain hopeful about the future of rights for ethnic minorities. If we do not address representation seriously, we risk cultivating resentment, potentially leading to future ethnic-based unrest.

This week in Brazil, I had the privilege of attending the Open Futures Forum Roundtable in conjunction with the G20 Youth Summit. The event, hosted by the Open Society Foundations, illuminated the indispensable role of representation in tackling global inequalities. The forum showcased the immense power of youth voices in crafting impactful solutions to our most urgent challenges.

What struck me was the precision with which young leaders from varied backgrounds underscored the importance of inclusion. Marcus Barão, Y20 Chair, delivered a powerful call for integrating youth perspectives into policymaking, insisting that decisions be made "with us, not for us." His words struck a chord, highlighting the value of marginalised voices in conversations about social justice and inequality.

The forum made it clear that young voices, especially from underrepresented communities, are crucial for equitable policies and climate justice. Their engagement is essential for devising effective strategies to address growing global disparities. This experience solidified my conviction that authentic representation is key to building a more just and inclusive world.

Engaging with global youth leaders, I saw Britain’s strides in representation acknowledged. But it’s clear this progress is just the beginning. We must drive profound, transformative change. Centring minority voices can revolutionise societal perceptions and treatment, bridging divides and fostering unity. The time for action is now; together, we have the power to build an inclusive society.