For more than a week, right-wing extremists have been attacking police and businesses in British cities. New riots are feared in dozens of locations. The Prime Minister is sending a clear message.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is threatening rioters with severe penalties in the face of fears of new riots in dozens of cities. “If you provoke violent unrest on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law,” the new head of government wrote on X.
Starmer referred to the first convictions of participants in the riots. A court in Liverpool sentenced three men to prison terms ranging from 20 months to three years. One of the confessed perpetrators had beaten a police officer, another had set fire to a police vehicle. Dozens of police officers have already been injured across the country.
There could be protests and possibly riots in more than 100 places nationwide, including the capital London, on a “Big Day,” British media reported, citing calls on social media. Around 30 counter-protests were also planned. Some members of parliament also wanted to take part. In some places, shop owners boarded up their stores and restaurants. Several countries, including China, India and Australia, urged their citizens to be vigilant in Great Britain.
Riots have been going on for more than a week
The anti-Muslim riots were preceded by a knife attack in the north-west English town of Southport. On July 29, three girls aged six, seven and nine were killed and other children and two adults were injured. Rumours quickly spread online that a Muslim migrant was the perpetrator. The false news was shared by influential accounts on X and Telegram. The police emphasise that the suspect is a 17-year-old who was born in the UK to Rwandan parents. The motive is unclear.
According to media reports, the police expect that in addition to hotels where migrants are housed, law firms and advice centres that support asylum seekers with their applications could also be targeted by right-wing extremist rioters. According to the reports, 6,000 police officers are to be on standby. Additional forces will be sent to northern England, said the head of the London police, Mark Rowley.
The law enforcement authorities are relying on deterrence. Of the more than 400 rioters arrested, around 120 have already been charged. According to Justice Secretary Heidi Alexander, more than 560 additional places in prisons are to be created from next week. The head of the CPS, Stephen Parkinson, told Sky News that in at least one case the public prosecutor is also considering charges of terrorism.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
