UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday in response to a surge of far-right riots across England, following the tragic stabbing of three young girls in Southport last week.
The riots, which began in Southport, have spread to numerous cities, resulting in hundreds of arrests and significant property damage. The violence was ignited by misinformation about the suspect, who police confirmed is a British-born teenager with no links to terrorism.
Protesters, driven by anti-immigration and anti-Muslim sentiment, clashed violently with police and, in some instances, counter-protesters. In Rotherham, masked rioters attacked a hotel housing asylum seekers, injuring ten officers. Other cities like Bolton and Middlesbrough also experienced severe disturbances, including vandalism and arson.
Prime Minister Starmer condemned the “far-right thuggery” and promised stringent action against the perpetrators. “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder,” he said in a televised address, emphasizing that those involved would face severe legal consequences.
The violence is the worst England has seen since the 2011 riots. Social media played a significant role in spreading false information and inciting unrest. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper announced enhanced security measures for mosques and other Islamic places of worship after they were targeted by agitators.
The protests, organized under the slogan “Enough is enough,” featured demonstrators waving British flags and chanting anti-immigration slogans. While some rallies remained peaceful, many escalated into violence, resulting in widespread injuries and damage.
Community and religious leaders have called for calm and unity, urging the public to resist divisive rhetoric. As the country grapples with this unrest, the emergency Cobra meeting chaired by Starmer aims to formulate a comprehensive response to restore order and address the root causes of the violence.
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