Can UK PM Keir Starmer bring in control the most violent rioting in England in 13 years?

Last updated on August 6th, 2024 at 04:09 am

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised serious concerns on Sunday over the ongoing violent rioting in different cities. There is no justification for “far-right thuggery”, he said in a TV address, promising to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Unrest related to misinformation about a mass stabbing in Southport last Monday has sparked chaos across multiple cities. Masked anti-immigration protesters attacked a hotel that has been used to house asylum seekers in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

UK riots a major challenge for Keir Starmer

Footage circulating on social media demonstrate a group of rioters attacking a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham. They also pushed a burning bin into the building. Ten officers sustained injuries, but none of the hotel staff or its clients are believed to have been hurt.

In the northeastern English city of Middlesbrough, protesters hurled bricks, cans and pots at officers. The ongoing crisis is a major challenge for Keir Starmer – elected only a month back after leading his Labour party to a landslide victory over the Conservatives.

The fresh disturbances came after police said more than 150 people had been arrested since Saturday. Rioters hurled bottles and flares at police – and looted and burnt shops. Demonstrators shouted anti-Islamic slurs as they clashed against counter-protesters.

False rumours on social media fuelling violent UK riots

Riots deepened in Southport late Tuesday after last Monday’s deadly stabbing incident. The 17-year-old British-born suspect, Axel Rudakubana, has been accused of killing a six, seven and nine-year-old, and injuring another ten people.

False rumours about the background of the suspect fuelled the violent riots. Police have blamed the unrest on supporters and associated organisations of the English Defence League, an anti-Islam organisation founded 15 years ago, reported France24.

The UK interior ministry on Sunday announced additional emergency security for mosques as they have been attacked by agitators. Some protesters have also been chanting slogans like “Stop the boats” – a reference to irregular Channel crossings by asylum seekers.

There had been false claims circulating on social media that the assailant responsible for the knife attack is actually an immigrant, subsequently triggering anti-Muslim and anti-immigration sentiments. But the police have confirmed that the suspect is a Cardiff-born.