Statement following Northern Ireland unrest

Luton Council of Mosques Statement Friday 12th June 2026

The horrific attack on Stephen Ogilvie earlier this week was a shocking and reprehensible crime. Those responsible must be held fully accountable through the rule of law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen, his family, and all those affected by this attack.

However, what followed has left those from minority communities living in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland fearful and distressed. The scenes broadcast on the news and shared across social media on Tuesday and Wednesday of masked white men moving through neighbourhoods, setting fire to public transport, property and homes, and spreading fear in Belfast were deeply alarming. Black and minority ethnic families, homes and businesses were specifically targeted which can only be described as a racially motivated campaign.

No community should ever be held collectively responsible for the actions of an individual. Yet we have once again witnessed attempts by certain politicians, racists, and far-right extremists to exploit a tragedy in order to spread hostility and division. The growing influence of far-right extremism, amplified openly on social media platforms, is radicalising both young people and adults and poses a serious threat to community cohesion. It must be challenged and rejected wherever it appears.

We are deeply concerned by the wider rise in racism, Islamophobia, and anti-minority hatred across the United Kingdom. Last week, members of the Sikh community found themselves unfairly blamed and associated with the actions of an individual following the murder of Henry Nowak. Muslims are all too familiar with the consequences of collective blame, where the actions of one person are used to stigmatise an entire faith community. Such narratives are unjust, dangerous, and serve only to deepen divisions while creating an environment in which prejudice and hatred can flourish.

The suspected arson attack on the home of an Imam in Bolton this week, together with reports of hostility directed towards Muslims and other minority communities in Glasgow and around the country, are deeply troubling and have caused distress and fear. We unequivocally condemn all forms of racism, religious hatred, discrimination, intimidation and violence. Such actions have no place in our society and undermine the values of respect, dignity, and neighbourliness that bind our communities together.

Importantly, the families of both Stephen Ogilvie and Henry Nowak have publicly distanced themselves from the hatred and disorder that followed these tragic events. Stephen Ogilvie’s family said the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland left them “feeling disgusted”. Their words are a powerful reminder that seeking justice for victims must never become a pretext for racism, vigilantism, or the targeting of innocent people.

At times like these, we urge our community not to respond with fear or anger, but with vigilance and solidarity. Look out for one another. Support your neighbours regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or background. Strong communities are built when people stand together against hatred and refuse to be divided.

We also encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses racism, Islamophobia, or any form of hate crime to report it promptly to the police and relevant authorities. Whether online or offline, racism, hatred, and misinformation must not go unchallenged. Suspicious activity, threats, vandalism, abuse, or intimidation should never be ignored. Reporting such incidents helps protect individuals and strengthens our collective response to those who seek to spread fear.

We have raised these concerns with the Police, the Council, and elected representatives, and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure the safety and security of all communities from violence and intimidation. At this time, it is essential that political leaders, public representatives, and institutions speak clearly and unequivocally against racism, collective blame, and all forms of hate-driven violence. Black, brown, and minority communities need reassurance that their safety matters, that those responsible will be held accountable, and that our institutions will act decisively to protect social cohesion and the rule of law.

We ask everyone to remain vigilant in the coming days and weeks. Check in on elderly neighbours and vulnerable members of the community. Maintain strong relationships with people of all backgrounds. If you see something concerning, report it. If someone feels vulnerable or intimidated, offer them support. Our faith teaches us to stand firmly against injustice while upholding peace, dignity, and good character.

Let us continue to be ambassadors of justice, compassion, and mercy. Let us strengthen our ties with our neighbours and wider society, reject those who seek to divide us, and work together for peace, safety, and mutual respect. Every person, regardless of race, faith, ethnicity, or background, deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in the place they call home.

We pray for the safety and wellbeing of all communities, for justice for the victims of hatred and violence, and for a society in which every person can live free from fear, discrimination, and intimidation. May the Most Merciful, protect us all, strengthen our unity, and guide us towards peace and kindness. Ameen.