our statement- the way we talk about migration needs to change

Our hearts go out to the innocent lives taken in Southport. It is a shame that this weekend, the attention has been taken away from the families affected and the heroic acts of protection.

What we've seen are race riots, not protests. The Prime Minister is right to condemn this violence. But it needs to be called what it is, terrorism. Caused by state racism in Britain and media misinformation.

Years of racist and Islamophobic anti-migrant policies and media coverage that have aimed to divide, have led us to this point. We have been shouting about this for years, but now it is clear. The way we talk about migration needs to change.

To the people who have been attacked, mosques that have been targeted and families who have nearly been burned alive. We hope you see the love that the rest of the country has for you. We need to do better.

We urge all politicians to reject the tactics and language that led to this event.