Unrest serves as reminder about danger of misinformation – ABCC president

The scenes that unfolded across the UK at the end of July and early August felt like a flashback to the mid-1980s in Handsworth, writes Omar Rashid.

Although I was only a child at the time, it’s clear that, sadly, we haven’t progressed as much as we would have hoped when it comes to tackling racism, handling sensitive situations, and simply upholding basic human decency.

The Handsworth riots of 1985 were believed to have been triggered by high unemployment and racial tensions.

Over two days, from 9 to 11 September, many Asian businesses were destroyed, and tragically, two Asian brothers lost their lives in a fire at the post office they ran.

Fast forward to this year, and once again, we found ourselves facing violence, this time sparked by the tragic events of 29 July, when three innocent girls were stabbed to death in Southport.

What should have been a moment of national mourning quickly spiralled into unrest, fuelled by false information circulating online.

Social media became a breeding ground for anger and misinformation, with rumours that the suspect was a Muslim immigrant, triggering attacks on mosques and businesses across the country.

The speed with which fake news spreads and incites violence is frightening. Social media platforms, notorious for their role in developing falsehoods, also serve as outlets for hate, often racially charged, under the guise of free speech.

Who can forget the aftermath of the Euro 2021 football final and the three penalties missed by black English players and the vile abuse they received.

Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), now owned by Elon Musk, must take more responsibility for what is posted online.

Musk, who describes himself as a “free speech absolutist,” bought the platform to enable open debate, yet his recent comment about Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling him “two-tier Keir,” has done little to help matters. His suggestion that police treat far-right protesters more harshly than minority groups can only fuel what is already a volatile situation.

It’s often said that the culture of a business reflects its leadership, and X is no different. When users of the platform are encouraged by its owner to allow speech that fuels hatred, social media becomes dangerous, putting innocent civilians, places of worship, and businesses at risk.

After the Handsworth riots, the Institute of Asian Business (IAB) was established in 1987 to represent and support ethnic businesses. Over time, it evolved into what is now the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), operating under the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

The ABCC remains the only Asian Chamber in the UK and continues to stand firm for its members, providing support, networking opportunities and a voice in challenging times. It takes an inclusive approach, encouraging collaboration and engagement across communities.

The recent unrest serves as a stark and harsh reminder of the need for organisations like the ABCC to support ethnic businesses.

What was reassuring to witness, however, was the unity that emerged in response. People and organisations from all walks of life came together to stand against the far-right protesters and the unrest they sought to create.

This solidarity extended to Birmingham, proving that it is the minority who seek to exploit any excuse to express their personal biases and prejudices against ethnic communities.

Moving forward, we must ensure this unity is preserved as we work to rebuild confidence in our communities.

While the swift action and harsh sentences handed down to the perpetrators are welcome, there is still a need for ongoing support for local businesses and communities.

This includes stronger regulation of social media platforms to prevent the spread of harmful and false information.

For all the good that social media can do, it’s clear that more must be done to ensure accurate information is shared, and that the platform is not used to incite hatred or violence.

It is vital that we continue to champion humanity. Diversity is a strength, both in everyday life and in business, and it is everyone’s responsibility to promote understanding and unity.

Omar Rashid is president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and managing director of The HR Dept Birmingham Central and Wolverhampton

This column first appeared in the Birmingham Post