1 month ago
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UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has committed to taking legal action against those involved in recent violent anti-immigration protests, labeling the events as “organized violent thuggery.”
Starmer stressed that law enforcement would take decisive action against the perpetrators.
He stated, “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 over the weekend in several UK cities following a tragic knife attack at a Southport dance school on July 29, during a Taylor Swift event, where three young girls, aged six to nine, were killed, and eight other children were injured.
Rioting broke out the next day when a large crowd gathered outside a mosque, hurling bottles and bricks at police vehicles. The protests were fueled by misinformation suggesting that the attacker was an immigrant and radical Islamist, sparking anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments.
The police clarified that the 17-year-old suspect was a British national, and media reports revealed his family is Christian. Despite this, the riots spread to Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester on Saturday, resulting in multiple arrests, damaged shops, and injured officers.
The latest outbreak of violence involved rioters targeting a hotel in Rotherham that housed asylum seekers, throwing objects, using fire extinguishers against police officers, and breaking hotel windows.
Starmer denounced the violence, saying there was no excuse for such behavior. “There is no justification whatsoever for these actions, and all reasonable individuals should denounce this type of violence,” he declared.
He continued, “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 views, cautioning that those involved in “unacceptable disorder” would face imprisonment and travel restrictions.
She emphasized that criminal violence and disorder have no place on Britain’s streets and assured that there were ample prison spaces available for offenders.
English (US) ·