Many of the people rioting in towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland claim that their violent acts are their way of “protecting” Britain’s children. It’s a confusing paradox, but one that must be understood to get to the bottom of what has happened.
“Protecting” women and children is central to nationalist rhetoric. This is why the Southport attack that killed three young girls proved an instant trigger for the violence that subsequently unfolded. The death of three small girls struck to the heart of ultra-nationalist, anti-immigrant narratives about the threat posed by immigrant men.
Even though the teenager arrested over the attack is not an immigrant, misinformation was spreading that he was. And those rioting outside hotels housing migrants and mosques are presenting themselves as taking action against the threatening people inside.
