UPDATE: Black Lives Matter UK has attempted to settle the matter. Judge for yourself:
Today's protest is an example of white allyship under black leadership
— #BlackLivesMatterUK (@ukblm) September 6, 2016
——
NUS president Malia Bouattia has been attacked from all sides for supporting the tiresome shutdown of London City Airport by the UK branch of Black Lives Matter.
Bouattia, a controversial leader who is locked in a never-ending anti-Semitism row, celebrated the protest this morning which temporarily closed a runway:
Solidarity to everyone involved with @ukblm action today at London City Airport & those at Court for last month's actions. #BlackLivesMatter
— Malia Bouattia (@MaliaBouattia) September 6, 2016
She sent “solidarity” to the protesters – but was soon called out by those who claimed that the BLM contingent at their airport were too white:
@MaliaBouattia brilliant how 9 white middle class protesters discredit the UK BLM faction. As if @ukblm needed help alienating the public!
— Billy (@isitBilly) September 6, 2016
@MaliaBouattia @ukblm You should get down there Malia, the protest is heavily White at the moment.
— Eric Lensherr (@TheCheeseAlone) September 6, 2016
A BLM spokesman confirmed the race of their protesters in a statement to the Guardian this morning – prompting a firestorm of recrimination from supporters accusing them of hijacking the movement.
Bouattia was caught up in the fray, with one commentator suggesting she head down to the runway to even up the racial balance.
Meanwhile others suggested she was further besmirching the NUS’s name by involving itself with a divisive protest.
The row highlights the swiftness with which the political left turns on itself, particularly when identity politics are at stake.
Meanwhile the protest, hot on the heels of BLM motorway shutdown near Heathrow, will further tank BLM’s credibility in the public eye.
As Heat Street observed last week in the wake of Notting Hill Carnival, everything seems a lot better when they just don’t turn up.
