Our message of solidarity for Southport

In the wake of the shocking, senseless death of innocent children attending a dance class in Southport on Monday, people across the country were horrified. We felt shocked, we felt devastated, we felt helpless. 

And as riots broke out across the country in the wake of online lies and misinformation, our horror developed into something more: shock and fury that a small group of extremists would dare to exploit this tragedy to spread violence and division.

The people of Southport were simply asking for peace, and the space to grieve. They were robbed of that by a vile mob, whipped up by far-right activists who hijacked a peaceful vigil, and even hospitalised some of the very police officers who’d bravely run to the aid of the children under attack.

At 38 Degrees, we aim to lift up the voices of those of us who want Britain to be a fairer, more respectful place. The voices of the most of us, who were devastated by this appalling attack and who abhor the violence carried out in the wake of them. And we want to drown out the hate-filled noise being spread by a tiny minority of extremists and make sure everyone is focusing on the community affected, and its wishes.  That’s why thousands of us have come together with a message of love and solidarity for Southport, and the message that those who have responded with hate and violence do not speak for us. A message of hope, unity and solidarity. 

On Wednesday, after Tuesday night’s riots, we launched an open letter to the people of Southport, expressing solidarity with their pain and condemning those who attempted to hijack their grief with more violence. It was quickly signed by more than 43,000 people, with more signatures coming in by the minute. 

On Saturday, that message was printed across parts of the front and the inside cover of the Liverpool Echo, so that it would be seen by people in Southport and the surrounding area, those who have been most closely affected by these appalling events. Inside, we printed messages from you, the public. Messages of love, grief, and solidarity. Messages that made it clear, in no uncertain terms, that those who continue to perpetuate violence and disorder do not speak for us, and never will. 

Among the messages were:

“In the face of such horror, your kindness and solidarity are an inspiration. Thank you for rejecting those who spread hatred.”

– Bruce, Lydbrook

“I can only imagine your individual and community pain. The sense of loss for those killed and hope for those injured in this senseless attack comes to you from me close to the South Downs. Thinking of you.”

 – Gill, Horsham

“Remembering everyone affected by this tragedy and heartened to see the wonderful community spirit despite the attempts of some to polarise. People of Southport you are truly role models of kindness and humanity.”

– Claire, Winscome

You can add your name to the open letter here: https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/message-of-solidarity-with-the-people-of-southport