Sunshine on (diverse, anti-racist) Leith

Whatever toxic mix of dislocation, alienation, othering, projection and racism (allegedly) led Lewis Hawkes to (allegedly) carry out a series of violent crimes targeting Muslim people at Broomhouse Mosque in Sighthill and Leith, there’s no doubt that the context of anti-Muslim themes and antipathy towards migrants being promoted by some political figures and parts of the media are contributory factors to such (allegedly) would-be murderous attacks.

It is the divisive hatred pushed by comfortable millionaire politicians and social media barons that ‘spills over’ and incites hapless characters like (allegedly) Hawkes to translate such exclusionary themes into criminal violence. Levels of anti-Muslim hatred and consequential crime are increasing in almost all parts of the (dis) UK.

That’s why it is so important to celebrate the fact that ordinary people in Edinburgh have shown the city’s true values and ethos in a series of demonstrations affirming the value of diversity and the importance of good relations.

Local anti-racists were out promoting messages of solidarity on Leith Walk on the Saturday and Sunday after the 20 June attacks – and then there was a large demonstration this last Saturday.

The road from Leith must involve finding ways to connect to many more people so as to confirm the possibility and importance of solidarity, and to push back the growing support we have seen for racist and divisive views in politics and social life. If such views still only attract a minority, we need to work hard for the day when they attract none.

Published 28 June 2026