White supremacist posters appear around UK town
Messages include ‘beware non-white rape gangs’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A council has taken down around 60 white supremacist posters plastered around a UK town over the weekend, authorities have said.
"It's OK to be white" and "reject white guilt" were written on signs across Ipswich, according to images shared on social media.
Max Stocker, a council spokesperson, told The Independent they have been working to remove the posters, which also included the message "beware non-white rape gangs".
Similar messages have been spotted around different parts of the UK in recent months, including Hull and Perth, according to local media.
Signs saying "it's OK to be white" were also put up in Bristol city centre last week.
Some of these posters bear the mark of Hundred-Hands, a group encouraging the spread of posters containing messages of white supremacy over social media.
Sam Murray, an Ipswich resident, claimed she removed 10 signs in the town herself.
"This does not have a place here," she told The Independent.
"Ipswich is a nice town," she said. "It is diverse and normally people just get on with their lives."
Bryony Rudkin, deputy leader of Ipswich Borough Council, called the white supremacist messages "deplorable".
"This racist behaviour does not represent the people of Ipswich or our town," she said.
"Council staff have been out over the weekend taking these stickers down."
Police are investigating the posters and aware of similar reports in other areas of the UK, a Suffolk Police spokesperson said.
"It's OK to be white" spread as a slogan across the US several years ago, and posters started appearing across American universities.
The phrase received support from neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups, as well as alt-right figures.
An online store stopped selling T-shirts with the message "it's OK to be white" earlier this year after acknowledging backlash over the "divisive slogan".
Ipswich council have asked anyone who notices any more white supremacist signs to contact the Cleaner Ipswich Hotline on 01473 433000 or through the website My Ipswich.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments