Survivors of UK terror attacks warn: ‘Don’t equate Muslims with extremists’

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In a powerful and poignant open letter, over 50 survivors of terrorist attacks in the UK, including those affected by the Manchester Arena bombing and the London Bridge attacks, are urging politicians to refrain from equating British Muslims with extremism. Led by Survivors Against Terror, a network representing individuals impacted by acts of terror, the signatories emphasize the need to isolate extremists and terrorists from the broader Muslim community, rather than perpetuating divisive rhetoric.

 

Among the signatories are individuals who have endured unimaginable loss, such as Rebecca Rigby, widow of soldier Lee Rigby, and Paul Price, who tragically lost his partner, Elaine McIver, in the Manchester Arena attack. Their collective voice echoes a resounding message: the fight against terrorism must not fuel discrimination or prejudice against innocent Muslims.

 

The survivors stress that they are acutely aware of the threat posed by extremism, having experienced its devastating consequences firsthand. They assert that combatting this threat should be a top national priority, but it must be done in a way that does not demonize or marginalize law-abiding Muslims.

 

In recent weeks, concerns have been raised over political rhetoric that conflates Islam with extremism, potentially exacerbating tensions and fostering anti-Muslim sentiment. Instances such as former Conservative party deputy chair Lee Anderson's remarks about London mayor Sadiq Khan and former home secretary Suella Braverman's comments have drawn criticism for their perceived Islamophobia.

 

Paul Price, a survivor of the Manchester Arena attack, emphasizes the importance of unity in the face of terrorism. He asserts that terrorists thrive on division and polarization and urges politicians to focus on what unites communities rather than sowing further discord.

Rebecca Rigby echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that her husband Lee would not have wanted his death to be used to fuel hatred against Muslims. She emphasizes the need to differentiate between peaceful Muslims and the extremist minority, underscoring that tackling terrorism requires unity rather than division.

 

Darryn Frost, who bravely intervened during the London Bridge attack, warns against marginalizing communities through broad-brush statements. He highlights the dangerous consequences of divisive rhetoric, which can inflame hatred and exacerbate tensions.

 

As the fifth anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks approaches, the letter's signatories emphasize the importance of rejecting anti-Muslim hate. They caution against politicizing extremism and emphasize the need for a unified approach to safeguarding the country's safety and security.

 

Brendan Cox, co-founder of Survivors Against Terror, underscores the risk of exploiting extremism for political gain. He emphasizes that the safety of the country should not be used as a political pawn and urges politicians to prioritize unity and collaboration in the fight against terrorism.

 

11.03.24

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[JonnyF]

Of course, not all Muslims are terrorists. Many are normal people who go about their lives peacefully. However, it would be deeply disingenuous to suggest there is not a link between the extremist Muslim communities and terrorism, in Britain and elsewhere.

 

In order to fix a problem one must acknowledge that it exists. In this case, we only had to wait 5 minutes for the next thread.

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

12 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

the extremist Muslim communities

Care to point out these ‘Extremist 
Muslim Communities’?

 

 

[JonnyF]

9 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Care to point out these ‘Extremist 
Muslim Communities’?

 

 

 

Talking of disingenuity... 

 

Abu Hamza and the Finsbury park mosque was a good example. In this case the threat was identified, acknowledged, and dealt with. Of course, others would have much preferred to put on the rose tinted glasses and pretend the problem didn't exist . 

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Talking of disingenuity... 

 

Abu Hamza and the Finsbury park mosque was a good example. In this case the threat was identified, acknowledged, and dealt with. Of course, others would have much preferred to put on the rose tinted glasses and pretend the problem didn't exist . 

Abu Hanza is an individual, he was locked up and extradited to the U.S. where his now securely locked up.

 

Problem solved.

You need to update yourself on developments at the Finsbury Part Mosque since Abu Hanna was removed.

 

If you evidence of any current extremism or terrorism at Finsbury Park Mosque you really ought contact the police.

[JonnyF]

8 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Abu Hanza is an individual, he was locked up and extradited to the U.S. where his now securely locked up.

 

It wasn't just Hamza. It was the culture surrounding the whole mosque and yes it was dealth with, which is what happens when we acknowledge a problem instead of pretending it does not exist like you and you ilk.

 

 

8 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

 

Problem solved.

 

If you think the issue of Muslim terrorism/extremism was solved with Hamza's arrest, maybe read up on the events of October 7. 

 

8 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

You need to update yourself on developments at the Finsbury Part Mosque since Abu Hanna was removed.

 

If you evidence of any current extremism or terrorism at Finsbury Park Mosque you really ought contact the police.

 

Yes it was dealt with because it was acknowledged. That's what happens when apologists like you are ignored.

 

 

 

 

[Chomper Higgot]

4 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

If you think the issue of Muslim terrorism/extremism was solved with Hamza's arrest, maybe read up on the events of October 7. 

The problem of Abu Hamza was solved. 

 

4 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Yes it was dealt with because it was acknowledged. That's what happens when apologists like you are ignored.

Forgive me for exposing your inability to identify one of these extremist Muslim communities in Britain that you referred to.

 

Since you yourself now accept my point that extremism at Finsbury Park Mosque has been dealt with, you might want to give another example.

 

Pointing out falsehoods is not being an apologist, and at no time have I ever offered any apology or excuses for terrorism and terrorists.

 

Such an accusation is an extremely serious matter, choose your words wisely.