CIPR issues statement on UK rioting and violence

The CIPR unequivocally condemns the violence, looting, and rioting instigated and led by far-right extremists across the UK.

The CIPR exists to be an inclusive organisation and to provide a community for everyone in public relations. We stand firmly with all professionals across communities who are being targeted and stand against racism or any form of hatred in our society and industry. We remain committed to fostering an environment where all professionals feel safe, valued, and respected and recognise the role that public relations plays in bringing communities together.

Much of this unrest and hatred has been exacerbated by deliberate misinformation and disinformation which stemmed from the tragic incident in Southport last week. We remind PR professionals of their critical responsibility to ensure that any information shared in relation to these events is reliable and factual. This is particularly true of professionals who work for organisations that have a responsibility to communicate with the public and external audiences. 

Many professionals will also have internal communication responsibilities and should consider providing advice to colleagues about sharing information on the riots and, importantly, ensuring colleagues from targeted and underrepresented groups and their families are safe. 

The CIPR has the following resources available to support PR professionals to tackle mis and disinformation:

• Disinformation and ‘Fake News’ - A guide to ethical communications for public relations practitioners by Sarah Waddington 
• Misinformation (Webinar) by Professor Darren Lilleker

The following links provide practical advice and support to the wider PR industry:

• CIPR President-Elect Advita Patel - Advice to PR professionals communicating on the race riots
• PRCA Race and Ethnicity Equity Board statement
• ‘Agency leaders should encourage frank, honest discussions’ - PR reacts to UK riots (PRWeek)
• Iprovision Mental Health hotline