Fascists are emboldened by silence in the face of their hatred. Last night’s atrocious scenes out of Southport must be condemned. Solidarity against racism is humanity’s ticket to a safer, kinder society. But the growth of the far-right has not occurred in a vacuum. The mainstream political and media narrative has incubated and enabled it.

From ‘hostile environment’ and ‘Go-Home vans’ through to open Islamophobia and ‘hierarchies of racism’. What is happening in Southport must be seen in this context.

My thoughts are with the victims’ families and the people of Southport.