EXECUTIVE S UM MARY
On th July , Bradford witnessed wide scale disturbances. Independent reports into the disturbances identified communities that had become divided along various lines of racial, cultural, social and religious distinction as the main cause. None of them addressed the activities and role of the far-right political parties operating in Bradford.
the disturbances As with other areas where disturbances occurred, far-right and neo-Nazi organisations were active. Despite having a march by the National Front (NF) banned on the day of the disturbances, many witnesses identified large groups in Bradford city centre. Tensions between police, Asian-Muslim groups and neo-Nazi groups led to confrontation between them. The violence escalated: the cumulative effect being the evening’s disturbances. ‒ Asian-Muslim youths fought pitched battles with police in the suburb of Manningham. officers were injured, of which approximately two thirds were from assault. More than , officers were involved in the operation. The estimated total cost is reported to be in excess of £ million although estimates vary.
responding to the disturbances Chief Superintendent Phil Read of West Yorkshire Police described the disturbances as “wanton violence”. The Home Secretary, David Blunkett reiterated this, adding that “whatever the provocation from outside the area, it is overwhelmingly local people who have damaged their own community and its future”. For him, the Asian-Muslim community was to blame rather than any outside agitation or demographic and socio-economic reason. He felt that it was not necessary to investigate the ‘inherent causes’ of the disturbances”. This message was reinforced by the Prime Minister, Tony Blair and local MPs. From within the communities themselves, some saw the disturbances as community defence: one of necessity rather than choice. Many believed that the clashes were the direct result of racist, far-right groups attacking Asian-Muslim communities and the failure of the authorities to adequately protect them. As such, a severe schism exists between the poles of thought that developed between those at grassroots and those in authority.
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