Luton’s most senior politicians have condemned a rally in London at the weekend as “an offensive and dangerous display of racist nationalism” that has been felt well beyond the capital and in the town.
In a joint statement, Members of Parliament Sarah Owen and Rachel Hopkins, along with Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard and Luton Council Leader Hazel Simmons said the Unite the Kingdom march’s message of hate does not represent the country or its values and pledged to challenge what they called “toxic nationalism”.
According to the Metropolitan Police Service, the demonstration drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people to central London at the weekend. Marketed by organisers as a defence of free speech and British identity, it has been criticised for anti-immigration and anti-Islam rhetoric.
Police reported 24 arrests for offences including assault and violent disorder, and said 26 officers were injured during clashes with protesters.
Although the march took place in London, the Luton leaders said its impact was being felt in the town’s places of worship, schools, workplaces and homes.
They warned that acts of intimidation against ethnic minority communities, particularly Muslim, Sikh, black and Asian residents, have been building over time, recalling last summer’s rioting as a reminder of the value of peace.
Reacting to what they called “hateful rhetoric” that is “intended to divide our communities and pit neighbours against each other”, the statement said “we know that in our town, hate won’t win.”
They highlighted Luton’s long-standing diversity as a source of strength and said the true meaning of patriotism lies in the everyday work of people serving the community in voluntary organisations, youth centres and elderly care, not in far-right provocations.
The statement added: “We are proud of our diversity. It’s part of our history and it’s building our future. The cultures and customs that we share in Luton make us stronger, more compassionate and enrich the social fabric of our communities.
“While far-right antagonists encourage violence and exploit our flags, it’s the everyday people quietly serving our community – be it in voluntary organisations, in youth centres, or in elderly care – who embody true patriotism. Our flag represents a diverse, inclusive nation, and we refuse to surrender it to those who use it to spread fear, violence, or division.
“As MPs, the council and the PCC, we are committed to working together to ensure that ours is not a town where racial hatred can thrive, online or in person. We will continue to work with all community leaders, civic organisations and our constituents to ensure safety, and we will do all in our power to challenge the rise of toxic nationalism and its threat to a tolerant and democratic society in any way we can.
“We must all continue to make it clear that Luton is a home to all, where anyone can belong. And together, as a town, we will celebrate the differences that make us great.”
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