The Prime Minister has called an emergency Cobra meeting amid fears of future riots as violence continues in Belfast, Plymouth, and Darlington. Home Secretary issued a warning to rioters, calling them a disgrace and promising a reckoning.
The meeting, chaired by Sir Keir Starmer, will address the violent disorder in England and Northern Ireland. Over 6,000 specialist police officers are prepared to handle the situation, with anti-fascist counter-protests planned at relevant locations.
As the violence persisted, a man in Belfast was hospitalized in serious condition after being attacked on Monday night. In Birmingham, a pub and cars were damaged due to false reports of a far-right mob planning to march through the Bordesley Green area.
More than 400 people have been arrested in connection to the mob violence, prompting the Prime Minister to establish a “standing army” of specialist police officers to address the riots.
In court, a woman pleaded guilty to violent disorder after pushing a burning wheelie bin towards police officers during unrest in Middlesbrough. Another individual, Lee Crisp, claimed mistaken identity as he was accused of encouraging violence towards the police during disorder in Rotherham.
The Northern Ireland Secretary, Hilary Benn, has condemned the violent acts, calling for an end to the senseless violence that has caused fear in local communities and damaged businesses.
Nigel Farage distanced himself from the far-right riots, emphasizing the need to end mass immigration to alleviate pressure on people’s lives. He called on the Prime Minister to treat everyone in the UK equally and address the diversity agenda.
Amnesty International UK highlighted the role of big tech platforms in fueling racist violence, emphasizing the need to address xenophobic discourse amplified by social media algorithms. The campaign group HOPE not hate warned of a far-right “hit list” targeting various locations, urging vigilance and preparedness.
The Metropolitan Police in London have committed to protecting the city from violent disorder, describing the recent events as one of the worst spates of violence in the last decade. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine vowed to use all available resources to prevent further disruption and maintain public safety.
