UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed that participants in recent violent anti-immigration protests will face the full force of the law. Describing the demonstrations as “organised violent thuggery,” Starmer emphasised that arrests would be made.
He said, ”Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be making arrests, individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow. I guarantee, you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up these actions online and then running away themselves.”
The protests erupted in several UK cities over the weekend, triggered by a knife attack at a Southport dance school on July 29 that left three children dead during a Taylor Swift event. The victims, girls aged between six and nine, were fatally stabbed, and eight other children were injured.
Riots ensued the following day as a large crowd gathered outside a mosque, throwing bottles and bricks at police vans. Misinformation claiming the attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist fueled the protests, leading to anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments.
Police clarified that the 17-year-old suspect was born in Britain, and media reports indicated his family is Christian. Despite this, the riots spread to Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester on Saturday, resulting in dozens of arrests, vandalised shops, and injured officers.
The latest violence saw rioters attack a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, throwing objects and spraying fire extinguishers at police officers, and breaking hotel windows.
Starmer condemned the attacks, stating there was no justification for the violence. “There is no justification. None, for taking this action and all right minded people should be condemning this sort of violence,” he stated.
He added, “People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet we’ve seen muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, nazi salutes in the streets, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric. So, no, I won’t shy away from calling it what it is-far right thuggery. To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, I know how frightening this must be.
“I want you to know that this violent mob do not represent our country and we will bring them to justice. Our police deserve our support as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up. Whatever the apparent cause or motivation, we make no distinction. Crime is crime and this government will tackle.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed Starmer’s sentiments, warning that anyone engaging in “unacceptable disorder” would face imprisonment and travel bans. She highlighted that criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain’s streets and assured that sufficient prison places were available for offenders.
Melissa Enoch
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