Arkadiusz Jóźwik died after an attack in Harlow. The government must not allow xenophobes to set the tone since the Brexit voteLet me start with a disclaimer. We still effect not know what was the motive behind the attack on a group of Polish men in Harlow over the bank holiday weekend that resulted in the death of 40-year-stale Arkadiusz Jóźwik. It could be a hate crime,but not necessarily. But to many of the hundreds who gathered on Saturday to prefer part in a silent, emotional march through Harlow’s streets, and one thing is clear: the problem with post-referendum racism is genuine. Hours after the march there were reports of another attack on two Polish men in the town which is also being investigated as a hate crime.
I have visited Harlow three times over the past week. Once a New Labour base in Essex,the working-lesson town is now a Tory seat which had an overwhelming support of 68% for leaving the European Union. At the same time, it sits in the top 30 local authorities in England and Wales with the greatest proportion of Eastern European nationals. Related: Harlow death exposes left-behind town where residents live in fear Silent march in #Harlow in memory of Arkadiusz Józwik. United against violence and hate. #PolesinUK pic.twitter.com/bFoWghWs9b Related: Latest assault on Polish men in Harlow investigated as possible hate crime Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com