Aftermath of disorder in Harehills in north Leeds, United Kingdom, July 19, 2024 (Yorkshire Post)
I joined India’s CNN 18 to establish the facts about disorder in Leeds in the UK, taking on the disinformation of social media activists and politicians trying to stir up division and hatred.
#UnitedKingdom: Police cars flipped, bus on fire—what's behind the #riots in Leeds? Prof. @ScottLucas_EA explains!#UKImmigration #UK #TheHardFacts | @RShivshankar pic.twitter.com/DgUbaOAANY
— News18 (@CNNnews18) July 19, 2024
I explain how the trouble began on Thursday when social workers were confronted as they tried to take four children into protection, with the father claiming that there was no cause for action.
I detail how the ensuing unrest with a police car overturned, double-decker bus burnt, and other fires set was not due to “Muslims” or “immigrants” or “multi-culturalism” — the poisonous narratives spread by those like the hard-right demagogue Nigel Farage.
The focus, I note, should be on discussion within the community and beyond to deal with issues such as housing, education, and health and social care.
I live in Leeds & it was caused by migrants kicking off.