London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has scrapped his planned holiday to focus on his government’s response to a series of racist riots targeting Muslims and migrants, according to a Downing Street source.
With the violence spreading across several towns and cities, thousands of police officers remained on high alert over the weekend. For the fourth consecutive day on Saturday, counter-protesters significantly outnumbered anti-migration demonstrators.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Starmer will not be taking his holiday next week. In response to the riots, his government has expedited the processing of those arrested and charged. As of Friday, 741 arrests have been made, and 302 individuals have been charged. Police anticipate that arrests will continue for months.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) announced on Saturday that specialist officers have been tasked with targeting online offenders and influencers who spread hate and incite violence. “Online crimes have real-world consequences and you will be dealt with in the same way as those physically present and inflicting the violence,” said Chris Haward, the NPCC’s lead for serious and organised crime. Recently, at least two individuals have been jailed for inciting racial hatred through social media.
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The riots began following false online posts that misidentified the suspected killer of three young girls in a knife attack on July 29 in Southport, northwest England, as an Islamist migrant.
On Friday, King Charles urged mutual respect and understanding, commending community groups for countering “the aggression and criminality from a few,” according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson.
