By KLTV Newsdesk –
Following a week of unrest which has seen far-right activist rallies descend into violent riots across the UK, Dr Sarah Hussain, a respected author and educator based in Huddersfield, has written a compelling open letter addressing individuals frustrated with racial and immigration issues in the UK.
In the letter, Dr Hussain offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nation’s historical and contemporary dynamics.
Rejecting political labels and appealing to shared humanity, Dr Hussain begins her letter by explaining that the current racial diversity in the UK is a direct consequence of its imperial past.
“The only reason this country is filled with so many different races is because of Britain’s imperial presence offshore, which wasn’t actually that long ago,” she writes.
A History of Colonisation
Dr Hussain challenges the anti-immigration stance prevalent among some UK citizens, labelling it hypocritical given Britain’s extensive history of colonisation and exploitation.
“It would be valid if Britain never invaded 65 countries and completely robbed them, but it’s hypocritical for someone to complain about having to share when what they are sharing was never theirs to begin with,” she argues.
She highlights the substantial wealth extracted from colonies, particularly India, noting that Britain owes approximately £3 trillion to India alone. Before British intervention, India accounted for 25% of the world’s GDP.
Dr Hussain questions whether Britain would have achieved its current status without the resources and wealth gained through imperialism.
Providing contemporary examples of exploitation, Dr Hussain points out that even after Indian independence, British traders continued to illegally deforest the Himalayas, exporting the wood to Britain. She challenges readers to consider the origins of their furniture and sports equipment.
Misdirected Anger
The letter further urges readers to reflect on whether their anger is misdirected.
Dr Hussain contends that the true responsibility lies with the British government and the elite, who have historically retained the wealth acquired through imperialism rather than distributing it equitably.
“It is the government’s role to distribute the wealth they stole from other countries to the working-class people, but unfortunately, a small group of British elite living in manor houses kept it for themselves,” she asserts.
Historical Injustices
Dr Hussain also addresses the plight of immigrants and refugees, emphasising that many are fleeing countries destabilised by British intervention.
“It is not the poor person’s fault in India who had their house destroyed due to flooding caused by British illegal felling, or the refugee who is fleeing the same country that the British bombed and stole oil from,” she writes.
In closing, Dr Hussain appeals to readers to reconsider the focus of their frustrations, suggesting that their anger should be directed at historical and ongoing injustices perpetuated by the government and elite, rather than at immigrants or people of different races.
The full open letter can be read below.
To my fellow brethren who are feeling rather frustrated right now.
First, I don’t conform to labels such as ‘left or far-right’- I am simply human, so I try to appeal to you human to human. We all have feelings that matter after all.
As someone who has spent most of my years learning and trying to challenge myself through postgraduate study – wanting to understand why this country is so fuelled by racial hatred – my initial reaction was to try and help you understand that the only reason this country is filled with so many different races, is because of Britain’s imperial presence offshore, which wasn’t actually that long ago, but I realise even having put this counter-argument forward, you refuse to acknowledge it.
Whilst I understand the anti-immigration argument, it falls flat in this country. It would be valid if Britain never invaded 65 countries and completely robbed them, but it’s hypocritical for someone to complain about having to share when what they are sharing was never theirs to begin with.
I am sorry that the British government let you down by making you believe this country was great only due to the service of English people – they did a great disservice to both you and I by not teaching you that this country was built on the back of British imperialism – for example approximately over 3 trillion pounds is owed to just India, who were 25% of the world’s GDP before Britain looted it.
Imagine if Britain didn’t invade any country – do you really believe they would have had the money and power to progress this country the way it has?
Did you know even after Indian independence, English traders continued to illegally chop down trees in the Himalayas and export the wood to Britain, thus I’m sorry to have to enlighten you, but consider where your furniture and sports equipment comes from.
I appeal to you to step back and think about whether your hate is aimed in the right direction? It is the government’s role to distribute the wealth they stole from other countries to the working class people, but unfortunately a small group of British elite living in manor houses kept it for themselves.
It is not the poor person’s fault in India who had their house destroyed due to flooding caused by British illegal felling, or the refugee who is fleeing the same country that the British bombed and stole oil from.
Ask yourself again, is my anger directed in the right place?
