Labour has its own role in this climate of hate and racism | Letters

In her article, Polly Toynbee mentions the rise of racism globally, citing Donald Trump and the usual suspects (There is a racism and cohesion crisis in Britain, and someone needs to lead us out of it. His name is Andy Burnham, 22 September). She fails to mention that the Labour party has also indulged in overt and dog-whistle racist rhetoric.

Keir Starmer spoke about Britain becoming “an island of strangers”. He later retracted it, but the message was out there. Wes Streeting, when health secretary, agreed with Katie Lam on the problem of foreign doctors (rather than the real problem of disastrous NHS restructures, poor management and underfunding). More recently, the business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said that a video clip where Zack Polanski says a few sentences in Urdu makes him “uncomfortable”.

In refusing to call out Labour’s role in creating a climate of hate, Toynbee fails to address the seriousness of the problem. Labour politicians indulging in or endorsing racist rhetoric does far more to normalise racism than when it comes from Trump and his supporters. And if we choose not to identify the real problem, we have no hope of making it better.
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History clearly confirms Polly Toynbee’s main point that the rise of divisive scapegoating politics in a time of economic pressures ultimately represents a genuine threat to everyone’s basic rights. Immigration policy issues cannot be separated from turning this tide, since they are central to the lure of today’s far-right populism.

A sizeable minority of Reform UK voters cannot be persuaded to change their allegiance as they now feel part of a wider “community of grievance”. Its myths and symbols seemingly explain current predicaments, revive old prejudices and suggest simple solutions. But many others have simply not heard these anti-immigrant notions being challenged. Too many mainstream politicians have echoed them instead, giving the far right control of the agenda and greater legitimacy.

The majority of Britain’s voters share a traditional milder patriotism and can understand the need for immigration to grow our economy, in a country with an ageing population and labour shortages, and the need to avoid splitting communities. That case has to be made, before the poison spreads.
John Chowcat
Bridge, Kent

The rising tide of grievance that is powering Reform and rightwing sentiment is threatening the whole idea of democratic politics here and abroad. It must be confronted. It appals me that so-called responsible commentators argue that it is “understandable” because politics doesn’t deliver what people want.

When what people want is defined by those with the most money and influence and involves selfish, discriminatory, reactionary and violent attitudes and behaviour it is the antithesis of democratic politics because that has to be founded on the principles of equity and justice. Without that, we are lost. Responsible politicians must lead the fight against that or the very ground on which they stand will be taken from under their feet. That slide into chaos already has far too much momentum.
Neil Blackshaw
Alnwick, Northumberland

Polly Toynbee’s powerful plea to defeat anti-migration fascism reminded me of the words of the nurse Edith Cavell before she was executed by the Germans in the first world war. “Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”
E Douglas Lawson
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire