British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a strong condemnation of what he termed “far-right thuggery” in response to violent anti-immigration protests that have spread across Britain. The unrest, sparked by the tragic knife attack that claimed the lives of three girls at a children’s dance class in Southport, northwest England, has escalated into nationwide chaos.
The murders were quickly co-opted by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim groups, spreading misinformation that the attacker was an immigrant and a radical Islamist. However, police confirmed that the suspect was born in Britain and clarified that they are not treating the incident as a terrorist act.
Protests erupted in several cities, including Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, resulting in vandalism, looting, and numerous injuries to police officers. On Sunday, anti-immigration protesters targeted a hotel near Rotherham, northern England, which houses asylum seekers. Witnesses reported seeing protesters, many masked or wearing balaclavas, throwing bricks at police, smashing hotel windows, and setting a large bin near the hotel on fire.
In a statement, Starmer condemned the violence, emphasizing that it was criminal activity rather than legitimate protest. “I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we’ve seen this weekend,” he said. “Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported 147 arrests since Saturday evening, with more expected in the coming days. Starmer, who became Prime Minister a month ago following his Labour Party’s decisive election victory over the long-ruling Conservatives, highlighted the fear instilled in residents by the “marauding gangs” in Rotherham.
Local police reported that ten officers were injured during confrontations with a crowd of 700 people in Rotherham. The violence included the use of planks of wood, fire extinguishers, and the smashing of hotel windows. One officer was knocked unconscious, while others suffered suspected broken or fractured bones. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield of South Yorkshire Police decried the “mindless actions” that resulted in “sheer destruction and leaving members of the public and the wider community in fear.”
The unrest spread to smaller towns on Sunday, including Lancaster, Bolton, and Aldershot. In Middlesbrough, police arrested 14 people following a march that devolved into “mindless violence,” prompting a public warning to avoid the town center. The interior ministry announced new security arrangements for mosques after receiving threats, including in Middlesbrough.
Local police in Tamworth, central England, urged the public to avoid an area around a hotel due to a large group throwing projectiles, smashing windows, starting fires, and targeting police. One officer was injured in the chaos.
The last significant violent protests in Britain occurred in 2011, following the police shooting of a Black man in London. At that time, Starmer served as the country’s chief prosecutor.
Community leaders and the families of the Southport victims criticized the unrest, emphasizing that the tragedy was being exploited to create division and hate. “Since Monday, too many people have sought to use the tragedy to create division and hate,” a group of faith leaders from Liverpool stated. “It can – and has – left communities in fear and has put people in danger.”
Starmer’s firm stance and call for law enforcement to address the violence reflect a commitment to restoring order and ensuring that those responsible for the unrest face justice.
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