Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning to the far-right rioters involved in the recent violent unrest across the UK.
In statements made on Friday and Sunday, Starmer emphasised a swift and decisive response to the thuggery that has plagued several cities.
The Prime Minister called on police forces to coordinate tactics and reassured frightened communities that such violence does not represent Britain.
Drawing on his experience as a former director of public prosecutions involved in the 2011 riots response, Starmer highlighted the importance of quick justice.
He underscored the need to get criminals off the streets swiftly to prevent prolonged violence and deter others from participating in the riots.
“Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law,” he said.
“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.”
Starmer directly named the far-right forces he holds responsible for exploiting a horrific tragedy to whip up disinformation and target migrants.
The misinformation surrounding the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport has fuelled the violent protests.
Despite the suspect, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, having no links to Islam, false claims spread online that he was a Muslim asylum seeker.
This led to a surge in anti-immigration demonstrations and violent clashes with police.
The violence reached a peak when a mob attempted to set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham.
Riot police and mounted officers were deployed to separate rival groups in Bolton, where fireworks and smoke bombs were thrown.
Over the weekend, at least 247 arrests were made across England and Northern Ireland, with police warning of more to come as they review footage of the riots.
Starmer announced the formation of a new violent disorder unit and pledged additional security measures to protect mosques.
He condemned the “marauding gangs intent on breaking the law” and reassured communities targeted because of their race or religion that the violent mob does not represent the UK.
The Prime Minister will lead a Cobra meeting on Monday to address the crisis.
The widespread disorder has strained police resources, with 4,000 riot-trained officers pulled from regular duties.
The Police Federation warned that regular policing might suffer as officers are redirected to manage the riots.
Despite reports suggesting military involvement, Home Office Minister Diana Johnson assured that the police have the necessary resources and mutual aid plans in place to handle the situation.
The increase in far-right activity has led to a significant rise in threats and hate crimes against Muslims.
Starmer called on all right-minded people to condemn the violence unequivocally. “There is no justification, none, for taking this action and all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence,” he said.
He reiterated that the violent actions do not reflect the values of the UK and emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
