UK Prime Minister calls emergency meeting amidst far-right violence surge
United Kingdom's Prime Minister Keir Starmer will preside over a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee on Monday. This decision comes in response to a recent surge in far-right violence across the nation. From Downing Street, Starmer issued a stern warning to those involved in the riots, stating "Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law."
Far-Right rioters target asylum seekers, residential areas
The violence escalated on Sunday with rioters attempting to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers. The Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire was attacked by violent gangs. In Middlesbrough, rioters smashed windows of houses and cars in residential areas. Cleveland police reported 43 arrests related to these events by early Monday morning.
Weekend of unrest results in hundreds of arrests
Rioters gathered outside another Holiday Inn in Tamworth on Sunday evening, leading to smashed windows and fires started by petrol bombs. Staffordshire police reported one officer sustained a suspected broken arm. Over the weekend, at least 247 arrests were made across England and Northern Ireland, including London, Hartlepool, Bristol, Belfast, Southport, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent and Liverpool.
Social media's role in inciting violence under investigation
Chief Constable BJ Harrington revealed that a range of criminal offenses are being investigated in relation to the recent surge in violence. This wave of unrest is considered the worst mass disorder since the 2011 riots across England. Harrington also highlighted the role of social media platforms in inciting and encouraging such violent behavior.
Muslim community expresses concern over safety amid violence
Muslim leaders have voiced their concerns over the safety of their communities amidst the surge in extreme right-wing activity. In response, the Home Office has introduced new emergency security measures aimed at protecting mosques. According to Tell Mama, a national monitoring group, there has been a fivefold increase in threats to Muslims and a threefold increase in hate crime incidents over the past week.
Government's swift response to far-right violence
Home Office Minister Diana Johnson confirmed the government's approach to dealing with the rioters, stating that courts would sit for longer hours to process cases swiftly. The Police Federation warned that regular policing might suffer as officers are pulled to respond to the widespread disorder. Despite these concerns, Johnson reassured that the police have sufficient resources to handle the situation and there is no need for military intervention.
