Appeal for Asian professionals to shape discourse

Shayoni Sarkar Lynn, Farzana Baduel and Advita Patel of Asian Communications Network aim to ensure greater diversity among voices in national conversation following last month's disorder.

Professionals within the West Midlands' Asian communities are being asked to support a project to diversify voices within national conversation after violent disorder in the UK last month.

Asian Communications Network (ACN) said it sought to boost representation within the discourse, driving positive narratives and upholding British values of tolerance and diversity.

It is pushing for more voices after the UK saw major unrest in the wake of three children being killed in Southport.

Riots and far-right protests followed false suggestions online the suspect in the killings was Muslim and an asylum seeker.

In the West Midlands, disorder broke out in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent.

Later, in Birmingham, there was more violence as Asian youths responded to online rumours their areas would be targeted by the far-right - gatherings that never materialised.

The initiative said recent unrest had underscored the need for better representation

The ACN said it had focused on the West Midlands as it was a key area where diversity in communications could make a significant impact. The group called for local professionals to join the initiative.

Farzana Baduel, who helped to set up the network, said: "Disinformation, misinformation, political rhetoric and media bias have contributed to violence on our streets, which resulted in migrants and ethnic minorities being physically attacked."

Ms Baduel, ceo of Curzon PR, added: "After the riots, there has been an increased awareness of the role of communication in shaping public opinion and social cohesion.”

Prospective members can register interest via the group's online platform.