Ros Wynne-Jones pens the Real Britain feature weekly in the Daily Mirror, advocating against government austerity measures and championing the cause of everyday citizens.
Located just two miles away from the ACC conference center on Liverpool Docks, where Labour supporters are gathered this week, stands a Victorian presbytery serving as a focal point for the local refugee community.
Last year on August 5, Asylum Link Merseyside in Toxteth took precautionary measures, including boarding up its windows, following Far Right protests during disruptive riots in city centers.
Despite having no connection to the tragic incident involving three young girls in Southport, located 20 miles away, the refugees and asylum seekers at the center faced unwarranted public hostility.
Emma Leaper, the National Coordinator at the charity, recounted instances of individuals being verbally abused and physically assaulted within their community.
Remarkably, amidst the turmoil, a heartwarming sight unfolded as thousands of individuals converged on the building, not with aggression but with messages of love and solidarity displayed on placards.
The boards used to secure the building during the unrest have since been transformed by refugee art groups into symbols of hope and unity, now prominently exhibited at the site.
Over the past year, the Mirror Real Britain team, led by Claire Donnelly and filmmaker John Domokos, has engaged with communities nationwide, exploring the aftermath of the previous year’s disturbances in a video series titled “Island of Strangers.” Insights from the Giga Poll reveal a prevailing sentiment of affection towards communities, with a desire for enhanced government efforts to foster unity especially in polarized areas.
Following the Southport incidents, a minority group along with external influences have unfairly shaped the nation’s image, with politicians yielding ground to extremist views, overshadowing the true essence of the working-class communities.
British working-class neighborhoods, historically diverse, are grappling with societal challenges exacerbated by economic decline, prompting feelings of disenchantment towards political leadership.
Despite the challenges, there is a collective understanding that immigrants are not the root cause of societal issues; instead, communities seek empowerment and inclusive policies to address underlying problems.
The “Island of Strangers” films, showcased at the Labour Conference and Future Yard in Birkenhead, aim to amplify authentic voices representing the true spirit of Britain.
From the St Mellons estate in Cardiff to Stockton-on-Tees and Rotherham, stories of cross-cultural unity and collaboration are witnessed, affirming a narrative of friendship, community, and solidarity prevailing over division.
To stay updated on the films, viewers can follow the series on YouTube, the Mirror website, and social media platforms using the hashtag #IslandOfStrangers.