British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to take decisive action against violent protesters who have targeted Muslim communities in recent riots across the country. Blaming the unrest on far-right activists and the spread of misinformation on social media, Starmer convened an emergency meeting with ministers and police chiefs, including Scotland Yard boss Mark Rowley, to address the escalating violence.
The riots initially erupted in Southport, a town in northwest England, following a stabbing attack at a dance class that tragically claimed the lives of three girls. False rumors circulated online, falsely identifying the suspect as a Muslim and an asylum-seeker, which led to a wave of attacks on immigrants and Muslims. However, the police clarified that the 17-year-old suspect was born in the United Kingdom, and the stabbings are not being treated as a terrorist incident.
In response to the violence, Starmer announced plans to establish a “standing army” of specialized police officers who would be ready to support local forces in quelling any future riots. He emphasized that the government would not tolerate attacks on mosques or Muslim communities, vowing to apply the full force of the law to those identified as participating in these activities.
Over the past six days, dozens of police officers have been injured, with some requiring hospitalization, after being targeted with bricks, bottles, and large wooden posts. The violence escalated further when angry mobs attacked two hotels housing asylum seekers, causing damage and fires before being dispersed by the police.
Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire, where one of the hotels was attacked, condemned the violence as the work of “far-right thugs.” He echoed Starmer’s sentiments, stating that there could never be any excuse for endangering the lives of vulnerable individuals within the community.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pledged to hold those involved accountable, promising a range of punishments, including jail sentences and travel bans. The Home Office, responsible for law and order, has also offered increased protection to mosques through a new “rapid response process” aimed at swiftly addressing threats to places of worship.
During the meeting, Starmer’s spokesperson criticized social media companies for not doing enough to prevent the spread of misinformation that has fueled far-right violence. They warned that individuals who incite disorder, whether online or on the streets, could face imprisonment. It was also noted that some of the false and misleading information originated from foreign states, with known bot activity amplifying the disinformation.
