Statement from the Group CEO in Regards to the Recent Race Riots

6 Aug 2024

As the Group CEO of Swish World Group, I address you today with a heavy heart. The violent race riots that have recently erupted across our beloved nation are deeply disturbing. These acts of hatred and violence not only tear at the fabric of our society but also undermine the core values that we, as Britons, hold dear.

Britain has faced dark times before. We have stood against the gravest threats and emerged victorious. As Winston Churchill once said, “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” This spirit of resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to liberty and justice has carried us through the darkest hours of our history. The fascists of the past sought to divide us, but they failed. Britain is still here, and they are not. Liberty will never perish, and we will never surrender to the forces of hatred and division.

It is with profound sorrow that I remind you of the tragic loss of three young girls whose lives were brutally cut short by this senseless violence. Bebe King, just 6 years old; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7 years old; and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 years old, had their futures stolen and their dreams extinguished. We must honour their memories, not batter them with further hatred.

As Churchill also reminded us, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Let us reflect on their lives and commit ourselves to building a society where such tragedies never happen again. We must give love, respect, and dignity to one another to make a life worth living.

At Swish World Group, we are steadfast in our commitment to justice. SwishJustice will never shy away from assisting the criminal justice system in identifying and prosecuting those who commit these heinous acts. We believe that justice must be served, and we will do everything in our power to support this cause. Those who perpetrate violence and hatred must be held accountable for their actions.

“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties,” as Churchill would have urged, “and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’”

To those who lead this hate, hear this clearly: We have met people like you before, and Britain has always stood strong and won. You seek to sow discord and division, but you will fail, just as those before you have failed. We are a nation forged in the crucible of history, resilient and unyielding. Your hatred will not weaken us; it will only strengthen our resolve.

I must also condemn the role that social media platforms have played in this crisis. These platforms have allowed misinformation to spread unchecked, fueling the flames of violence and division. This irresponsibility must end. Social media companies must do more to combat the spread of lies and hateful content.

In these trying times, it is essential to recognize and applaud the tireless efforts of our emergency service workers. These brave men and women risk their lives daily to protect our communities. Their dedication, courage, and selflessness are a beacon of hope in these dark times.

As we navigate these turbulent waters, I am reminded of the words of Margaret Thatcher: “Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope.”

“The battle for freedom must be won anew in every generation.” We are now called upon to fight this battle once more. Our strength lies not in our words, but in our actions and our unwavering commitment to doing what is right.

In honour of the victims and as a mark of our collective grief, I call upon everyone to observe a two-minute silence at 7 p.m. this Wednesday.

We find ourselves at a crossroads. The path we choose will define us as a nation. Let us stand together, united by our common humanity and our unwavering commitment to liberty, justice, and peace.