- UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s recent speech criticized multiculturalism as ineffective and expressed concerns about individuals from specific religious backgrounds living segregated lives, potentially posing national security risks, with these specific backgrounds widely understood.
- Public responses to Braverman’s remarks include residents of Bradford, like Elora, Jenifer, Christine, and Awais, who emphasized the positive experiences of multicultural living in the city, debunking the idea of segregation. Additionally, Amy Heaney expressed her dissatisfaction with Braverman’s strict views on migrants seeking a better life in the UK.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman addressed a gathering in the United States on the topic of migration. In her speech, she posited that that ‘multiculturalism has proven ineffective’ and expressed concern that individuals from ‘specific religious backgrounds’ lead ‘segregated lives,’ lacking integration and posing a disconcerting national security risk. The ‘specific backgrounds’ Braverman alludes to are widely understood. Let’s explore some responses to her statements:
Counteracting Braverman’s remarks, Media student Elora Kirk, 23, said: “I am born and raised in Bradford. The school I went to was in a ‘white’ area but as long as I can remember we have always had Muslim neighbours and it’s been great. You learn so much about different cultures and religions.”
Pictured: Elora Kirk by Glen Minikin
“Our Muslim neighbours are very generous, always sending over food especially on special occasions like Eid and during Ramadan. Obviously they have certain rules about their faith but that doesn’t stop them from being friendly.” Elora, commented.
Jenifer remarked:
“I’ve lived in Bradford my whole life. The area has become a lot more mixed recently but that’s no bad thing. Some people like to live near their relatives or near the mosque and near their amenities but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to mix.”
Christine added: “We don’t see people as different and divide them on religious or cultural lines. We just see them as people. We are all Bradfordians.”
Amy Heaney, a 20-year-old student from Liverpool expressed her discontent with Ms. Braverman’s stringent stance on migrants seeking to improve their lives in the UK.
Pictured: Amy Heaney by Glen Minikin
Awais Shezad (a 17-year-old born and raised in Bradford) said, “The city offers the best of both worlds. He emphasized, “It’s a myth that Asians don’t mix with people from outside their culture. I have friends from all different backgrounds. We all get along.” In addition, sisters Jennifer Greenwood, aged 70, and Christine Blakely, aged 75, found Ms. Braverman’s remarks unimpressive.
Pictured: Awais Shezad by Glen Minikin
