Online Hate Speech Related to Immigration is Increasing

• Local deputies report an increase in online hate speech.
• Protests against the treatment of refugees continue in several cities.
• The government plans to expedite the process of reviewing asylum cases.

Local deputies in Great Britain have expressed concern about the recorded increase in hate speech in connection with discussions on immigration issues. Some of them reported that the level of online aggression and hostility they receive has risen to a level worse than during Brexit.

This signal of rising tensions came after protests that took place outside hotels, where refugees are being housed. The protests were accompanied by clashes with police, resulting in 15 individuals being arrested.

One of the deputies, who wished to remain anonymous, reported receiving threats of violence through her support for refugees. Another deputy, Anna Dixon, stated that she received threats of death after a conservative deputy shared "false" information about her position regarding the grooming gangs issue.

Deputy Toni Antoniazzi noted that images on social media have become more hostile, and the situation has become polarized. According to a survey, only 52% of deputies feel safe in their positions, and the biggest problems are online hate speech and aggression in public places.

Protests against the use of hotels for housing refugees continued over the weekend, with demonstrations taking place in various locations, such as Salford, Dudley, and London. In response to these events, the government announced plans to expedite the process of reviewing asylum cases.

Minister of Internal Affairs, Yvette Cooper, called for a swift review of cases, as there is currently a massive backlog of 51,000 asylum cases awaiting resolution in Great Britain.

At the same time, critics, including some deputies from the Labour Party, called for a temporary suspension of the asylum process for immigrants from hotels, attributing this to the rising tensions in communities.

Tags: Europe/Politics