After a weekend of violent disorder breaking out across the UK, the Prime Minister has this evening issued a statement from Downing Street. ‘I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend,’ Keir Starmer says. ‘Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.’ The Labour leader goes on to say that ‘the police will be making arrests’ and he can ‘guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder’.
It comes as the Home Office announces that emergency security will be provided to mosques immediately – which have already become a target for the mob violence. While there have been a spate of demonstrations since the Southport stabbings, Starmer mentions specifically what is happening in Rotherham this afternoon. There, protesters have targeted a hotel thought to be used to house refugees – a fire has been started and windows have been smashed. Referring to the events, Starmer said: ‘The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow.’
As for who is behind the violence, Starmer made clear he views it as a form of extremism that ought to be called out – referring it to as ‘far-right thuggery’:
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 street. Attacks on the police. So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this 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 this violent mob do not represent our country. And we will bring them to justice.
The comments come after Starmer has faced criticism for being more willing to call out certain forms of extremism than others.
So, will the statement succeed in calming the situation? It’s clear that Starmer plans to respond to the events so far with a law and order crackdown – perhaps drawing lessons from his time as Director of Public Prosecutions during the London riots. Back then, around 3,000 people were arrested with more than 2,000 going on to face criminal charges and prison sentences. However, these riots offer fresh challenges – in terms of who is participating and the underlying currents behind the disruption. It means Starmer will need a longer term strategy for addressing the root causes regarding concern over integration.
Last week Starmer used his press conference to address riots planned for the weekend: the Prime Minister said he would ‘not permit, under any circumstances, a breakdown in law and order on our streets’. While Starmer had promised the full weight of the law in response, if the disruption continues at the current pace, the new prime minister will face questions as to whether he really has a grip on the situation.
Hear Katy’s analysis on Coffee House Shots:
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