British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has strongly condemned the far-right rioting that erupted over the weekend, involving gangs attacking Muslims and ethnic minorities, burning buildings, and clashing with police. The unrest followed false information circulated online about the suspect in a deadly knife attack on a children’s dance class in Southport, which claimed the lives of three young girls.
Starmer’s Firm Stance
In a statement on Sunday, shortly after rioters attempted to set fire to a building housing asylum seekers, Starmer asserted, “Those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be making arrests … I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder. All right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence.”
Unfounded Rumors and Escalating Violence
Riots spread across various towns and cities in the UK after false rumors alleged that the suspect in the Southport attack was a Muslim migrant. The suspect, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, was later confirmed by authorities to be British-born. Despite this clarification, the violence continued, with attacks on mosques and other buildings escalating.
Government and Police Response
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced additional support for local mosques through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, in response to the threats and attacks. Riots have been reported in numerous locations, including Belfast, Bristol, London, and various towns and cities in the Midlands and North of England such as Blackpool, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Stoke-on-Trent, and Sunderland.
Rising Tensions and Counter-Demonstrations
In Liverpool, police intervened to prevent clashes between far-right rioters and anti-racist groups. Later, rioters set a library on fire and attempted to obstruct firefighters, leading to 23 arrests. The situation took a darker turn in Rotherham, a town already grappling with racial tensions from a past child sexual exploitation scandal. Here, rioters broke into a hotel for asylum seekers, attempted arson, and blocked exits, resulting in police intervention and arrests.
Ongoing Clashes and Injuries
Throughout the rioting, police and journalists were attacked. In Rotherham, 10 police officers were injured, and a French news service AFP camera operator was assaulted. The rioters, some wearing face coverings, England football shirts, and carrying British or English flags, displayed a disturbing level of violence and xenophobia.
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