Call for Unity: Establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Liverpool

We condemn the organised violence over the past 7 days both locally and nationally. The Southport families of the bereaved and survivors have been disrespected at a time of unquantifiable loss, by the choice of violent protest. The deliberate racist and Islamophobic targeting of minority and religious groups reflects the level of ignorance and division that is now deep-rooted in society. The radicalisation of the youth of post-pandemic UK has been deliberate and systematic, the results of which, we witnessed first-hand within our city this weekend.

Our city, which has traditionally stood alone in its beliefs and identity, historically proud of being ‘Scouse not English’ fell prey to the misinformation peddled by the far right. Under the guise of ‘save our kids,’ the mobilisation of a minority in Liverpool betrayed the truest interpretation of those words. ‘Our kids’ were forced to stay indoors or to hide and protect themselves from the marauding, violent horde on our streets. No child should be afraid of leaving their home for fear of racial violence in a city whose foundations and growth were built on immigration. No child or adult should have to fear for their safety because of their faith or the colour of their skin. The impact of the past week will have a long-lasting effect on the makeup of this city and its future.

Lessons must be learnt from what has unfolded on our streets throughout the last 7 days. Currently, the calls for punitive action ring louder than the calls for restorative justice. Shouts of unity and social cohesion must be the loudest in order to permeate the consciousness of those in power. Both national and local government must reflect and refrain from adopting the same approach they have previously in order to achieve a more impactful outcome.

Any action needs to be primarily focused on securing a long-lasting and sustainable change to our communities in order to educate, inform and connect so that young and old alike are better equipped to avoid the manipulation and indoctrination that has resulted in the events witnessed over the last week. The inequality of provision must be addressed to remove the sense of isolation communities face in the difficult current economic climate. If not, communities across the region will remain at great risk of radicalisation from the influence of the far right, masquerading as saviours of today’s youth.

Therefore, we call for a localised Truth and Reconciliation Commission to start the process of change, to focus on restorative justice, community dialogue and to ensure voices are heard and respected.

This commission should be made up of members of every community and stand as a voice of representation for Liverpool, which we firmly believe our city desperately needs. This process combats the risk of communities being dismissed or feeling that they have no appropriate route to voice their concerns and fears. It would tackle the sense of isolation that has traditionally been used by extremism to divide.

The approach we propose would give people the ability to hold local government to account directly, rather than taking to the streets and further damaging our communities. This commission must span all ages, genders, ethnicities and faiths. The voice of the youth is not just important, it is as powerful and legitimate as any other. It can be representative of all that is good about this wonderful city and its people.

We urge you to take immediate and decisive action to begin establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The signatories of this letter welcome the opportunity to be involved in designing and establishing this commission. This action is a step towards a safer, more inclusive and united city.

Sincerely,

Emile Coleman, Toxteth EL8TE CIC
Yaw Owusu, Nothin’ But The Music
Jodie Greenwood & Abi Greenwood, WEDGE Collective
Danny Withington, No Limits Amateur Boxing CIC
Anu Omideyi, Music & Festival Director