Protesters at a rally against deportations. Photo: Yui Mok / PA Wire/Press Association. All rights reserved Across many parts of Europe countries are lurching to the right. Croatia and Poland have elected aggressively right-wing governments, and anti-migrant parties are loudly making their case in France, Germany, the UK and beyond. The political changes of late are a worrying harbinger: Europe is in danger of sliding into fascism. The UK needs to take its own virulently xenophobic hard-right head on by embracing pro-migrant politics - and it’s up to Labour to lead the charge. Unfortunately, there’s little sign of that happening as things stand.
In the aftermath of the referendum, the result of years of anti-migrant rhetoric made itself visible. Xenophobia and hate spilled out onto our streets. Emboldened by the toxic Brexit campaign, people made their anger for the 'other' known. Labour was nowhere to be found. One of country’s most prominent pro-migrant politicians, Jeremy Corbyn, was embroiled in an internal feud brought about by his own party. Labour MPs broadly divided into two camps – those who had been waiting (on Peter Mandelson’s advice) to overthrow Corbyn since he was elected and those who were panicked by the referendum result and worried about Corbyn’s leadership – launched a coup against him. Little consideration was given to the countless people who were told directly or indirectly that they weren’t welcome in this country. Thanks to internal feuding, a vital chance for Corbyn to shine a light on the pro-migrant cause was missed.
Thanks to internal feuding, a vital chance for Corbyn to shine a light on the pro-migrant cause was missed.
