Immigration was a central issue in the debate over Britain’s membership of the European Union, and the Uk’s decision to leave was met with a surge in hate crimes. In the week following, London, for example, was averaging three racial attacks an hour.
Much of this negativity has been aimed at eastern Europeans, and after Brexit suspected racist graffiti was found on the front entrance of the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) in Hammersmith, west London.
More recently, in Harlow, a 40-year-old Polish man, Arkadiusz Jóźwik, was beaten to death in the street. One line of inquiry followed by the police is that it may have been a hate crime, although the motive has not been confirmed.
But as well as hostility, there’s also been positive efforts to bring communities together. In Bristol, the Playfull toyshop offered a rose and an apology to all immigrants – a gesture that made the news around the world. What’s more, Friends of Arkadiusz Jóźwik organised a unity march through Harlow on Thursday.
So, how do eastern Europeans feel after the referendum? Have there been tensions where you live or have you felt supported by your community? Do you still want to remain in the UK? Share your experiences, anonymously if you wish in the form below.
- As this is a sensitive topic, please be reassured that we will not share or publish any personal details without obtaining contributors’ permission first.
