• Trigger and Escalation: The Leeds riots on July 18, 2024, started after social services removed children from Romanian parents, worsened by inflammatory comments from public figures, leading to racial tensions.
• Community Response: Councillor Mothin Ali tried to calm the violence amid widespread misinformation.
Leeds was engulfed in turmoil on the night of July 18, 2024, as violence erupted in the Harehills area. The unrest was sparked by the removal of four children from their Romanian parents by social services, a move that ignited outrage among local residents. The parents, tearful and pleading for their children’s return, insisted they had done no harm, leading to a protest that quickly spiralled out of control. The scenes of chaos were stark, with a police car overturned and a double-decker bus set ablaze.
The situation was further inflamed by inflammatory remarks from Nigel Farage, who attributed the riots to “mass migration from the Indian subcontinent.” His comments were widely condemned for fuelling racial tensions and spreading misinformation. MP Alex Sobel criticised Farage, accusing him of exacerbating the situation without understanding the facts and demanding an apology for his reckless statements. Adding to the controversy, Tristan Tate also weighed in, incorrectly blaming the Bangladeshi community for the violence. Tate’s comments further stoked racial tensions and spread misinformation, contributing to a narrative that unfairly targeted specific ethnic groups.
Social media played a significant role in spreading misinformation. Councillor Mothin Ali, who was present at the scene attempting to calm the situation, faced unfounded accusations on X (formerly Twitter) of instigating the violence. These baseless claims led to a surge in Islamophobic rhetoric, unjustly targeting the Muslim community and further inflaming the unrest. Far-right EDL member Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) posted on X, claiming that “imported families” were responsible for trying to burn down the area.
Leeds City Council’s Chief Executive, Tom Riordan, sought to clarify the situation, explaining that the unrest stemmed from a family incident that was misinterpreted by the community. He emphasised that the issue was not race-related and highlighted the city’s commitment to working with families and communities to address such incidents and prevent future escalations.
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the violence as “shocking” and unacceptable, calling for those responsible to be held accountable. Authorities are now focusing on a thorough investigation into the causes of the unrest and the role of misinformation, aiming to restore order and address the underlying social issues that contributed to the violence.
Heroic Actions Amid Chaos
In the midst of the chaos, emergency services were unable to access the area due to the intensity of the riots. This left local community leaders like Councillor Mothin Ali to take direct action. Ali was seen trying to extinguish fires on the road himself, calling for calm, and urging troublemakers to remember that “this is our community”.
Green Councillor Mothin Ali has been hailed as a hero for his efforts to calm the situation during the riots. He was filmed kicking away a wheelie bin being dragged towards a fire and stopping others from adding to the flames. Ali called for calm, emphasising the need to protect the community and prevent further destruction. Despite facing physical confrontations, he stood firm in his efforts to de-escalate the violence and protect his community.
The events in Leeds are a stark reminder of the complex interplay between social issues, racial tensions, and the dangerous impact of misinformation. Harehills, a diverse and vibrant community, has faced challenges related to economic disparities, housing conditions, and unemployment. These underlying issues, coupled with the rapid spread of false information, created a perfect storm that led to the night’s violence.
As the city begins to recover, there is a pressing need for community leaders and residents to work together to foster a more cohesive and understanding environment. Addressing economic and social grievances, promoting accurate information, and building stronger community ties are essential steps to prevent such unrest in the future.
