There is no room in this world for hate, and more than 700 members of the British music industry have signed an open letter pledging to combat bigotry and racism.

“In recent months through a series of events and incidents, the anti-black racists and antisemites, plus those who advocate islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, have repeatedly demonstrated that they clearly want us all to fail,” the #NoSilenceInMusic letter reads. “Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same: suspicion, hatred and division. We are at our worst when we attack one another.”

“All forms of racism have the same roots — ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating,” it continues. “We, the British music industry are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option.”

The 1975, Lily Allen, YUNGBLUD, Bastille, Clean Bandit, James Blunt, Lewis Capaldi Niall Horan, Rita Ora, and Two Door Cinema Club are just a handful of musicians who signed the letter, along with managers, record label executives, agents, songwriters and producers.

Read the full letter here.

This latest call to action follows the Artists Rights Alliance teaming up with Panic! At The Disco, Lorde, Green Day, and more to demand clearance for political campaign music, and hundreds of artists signing an open letter urging congress to aid independent music venues during the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo: Getty Images

Mel Taylor

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