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A shift in our country transformed over the past few days. Like cities across the United Kingdom, the capital has witnessed demonstrations organised by the far right before, but the atmosphere was distinct. More than a hundred thousand individuals filled the city. Tens of thousands of them marched peacefully. But a group assaulted the police officers tasked with ensuring residents safe.

What unfolded witnessed didn’t come from nowhere. For an extended period, government figures and commentators have refused to condemn the increase of bigotry in this country, opting to participate in coded rhetoric and dangerous rhetoric personally.

Currently, these divisive approaches of governance have overflowed on to public spaces. Ethnic and religious communities have expressed fear and countless others in the city and throughout the UK are horrified. Among officials, inaction is no longer enough. We must act to speak out and declare: we reject who our society represents.

Wider Context

Let's come together to confront the nativist movements who are exploiting monetary struggles, the fragmentation of contemporary society and a growing distrust of political and news organizations – a pattern we have seen in countries across Europe and, unsurprisingly, in the US.

The White House occupant and his coterie have possibly done the most to stoke tensions of polarizing, extremist ideologies around the world in the past decade. During his arrival to the United Kingdom on his initial official trip, Trump had deliberately used xenophobia, racism and exclusionary rhetoric as an campaign strategy.

Today, the tactics we see from today’s US administration look similar. Targeting immigrants, expelling US citizens, sending troops to the public areas of multicultural hubs. Such measures go beyond being inconsistent with western values – they’re straight out of the authoritarian handbook.

The Need for Honesty

It is clear the UK government’s position of adopting realism on the global scene and seeking to keep a good relationship with the leader of the strongest country in the world. Faced with a aggressive Moscow, the continent's safety appears less certain now than at any moment since the 1940s. And the risk of escalating trade barriers is ongoing.

But it’s also crucial to ensure our unique partnership includes being transparent and truthful with one another. At times, this requires being a honest ally and speaking truth to power – and stating unequivocally that our opposition to the strategies of panic and discord.

Showing the US leader why he should stand with Ukrainians, not Russia. Making the case for taking the global warming responsibly. Urging the president to end the economic disputes that are undermining world economy apart. And applying influence on him to do much more to stop the devastating assault on the Palestinian territory, as solely the US has the leverage to put an end to the blatant and repeated violations of global norms to an end.

The Capital's Success

We must also inform the administration and followers to cease disparaging and undermining London. The city remains a global success story, no matter how much he seeks to pretend otherwise. The capital is open, dynamic and more secure than any US state in terms of violent crime. Maybe that explains unprecedented figures of US citizens are choosing to reside the metropolis.

Trump and his base often talk about the importance of free speech, painting a picture of the nation as a dystopian society where control means our rights are under threat. That is far from the reality. This week, it is likely countless citizens will voice their opinions to remind President Trump and his supporters that we cannot be divided by groups which seek to sow fear.

That we are determined for the capital to remain resilient as a bastion against intolerance, and be a symbol a beacon of hope. Our strength lies in power in our diversity, not division. And that we value our forward-thinking ideals firmly, rather than concealing them in apology.

Moving Forward

Following most recent diplomatic tour previously, the way we debate politics has become pessimistic, more divisive and risky. But the capital's essence and spirit are as inclusive and optimistic as before – because our modern, multicultural city remains strong. Those who seek to create discord will encounter a city committed to uphold its liberal, democratic values stronger than before.