Is Britain a hopelessly divided, racist country?

The gatherings around asylum hotels over recent weeks have threatened to boil over into violent riots of the type seen last summer. The political class has done precious little to calm things down, with business and trade minister John Reynolds declaring people were upset for "legitimate reasons" about asylum. There have also been declarations that people have the right to protest. Really, the right to gather outside a hotel, terrifying those inside? The government should be taking a stronger line, condemning the often violent protests, whilst defending the right of people to claim asylum. A coalition of far right politicians and publications have collaborated to demonise asylum seekers. So they are not now seen as desperate people seeking sanctuary but criminals preying on the innocent Talking of crime, it was interesting to note the news that 40% of those charged with crimes during the riots last summer had already been reported for domestic violence. Asylum seekers are becoming the target of the mob. It was racist motivations that sparked the riots last summer, and the protests this year around asylum hotels So is the UK just a hopelessly divided, racist society? Well no. Last year, the riots stopped when the majority of tolerant people said enough, coming out in places like Walthamstow in east London to make it clear that this unlawful violence could not go on. Similarly, large counter protests have appeared in places like Epping saying they will not stand for victimisation of asylum seekers. Last year, the government gave a lead, ensuring those convicted of violent acts felt the force of the law. This year, things seem different, with politicians hedging their bets. Reynolds with his comments about legitimate concerns and Neil Hudson, Conservative MP for Epping, declaring that the local asylum hotel must be shut. So, in other words capitulate to the demands of the racist mob. It is ofcourse a good idea to take asylum seekers out of hotels. The government is seeking to do this. Processing needs to speed up, so decisions can be taken and actioned. It would also substantially cut costs if asylum seekers were allowed to work. On the wider point, the flow of asylum seekers will not lessen, as long as the causes such as war and climate change fail to be addressed. Maybe, some of those British arms companies that make so much money out of conflicts around the world could pay some of the asylum costs. Another change that would help deal with the likes of the small boats crisis would be establishing safe routes for those seeking asylum. It was done for Ukrainians, why not every other nationality? What is for certain is that the appeasement of the mob cannot continue.Just shutting hotels is no solution. It is time to stand up for those British values of tolerance, plurality and multi culturalism. These are the values of which all can be proud, not the bigoted, racist utterances of the mob.