6,000 police to prevent rioting on "Big Day"
Misinformation and hate speech continue to fuel the atmosphere in the UK. Today's "Big Day" is feared to bring new riots, with thousands of police officers on standby. An online list circulating among mostly far-right troublemakers suggests possible targets.
The British police are preparing for massive far-right riots. Sky News, citing security sources, reports that protests and potentially riots are expected at 30 locations across the country, including the capital London.
Reports suggest that around 6,000 police officers will be on duty. However, there are doubts about whether this will be enough. Law enforcement agencies are also relying on deterrence: Over 100 of the more than 400 arrested troublemakers have already been charged. Justice Minister Heidi Alexander says that more than 560 additional prison places will be created next week. Prime Minister Keir Starmer held another meeting of the national Cobra crisis committee on Tuesday evening to discuss the situation with cabinet members and security force representatives.
He told reporters afterwards that he expects "substantial convictions" of troublemakers this week. "That should send a powerful message to anyone involved, directly or online, that they will be held accountable within a week," said the Labour politician.
The Metropolitan Police Service said it will do everything in its power to protect the capital. "We are aware of the events planned by hateful and divisive groups in the capital," said Andy Valentine of the Met on Tuesday evening. "They have made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear." However, such behavior will not be tolerated.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan wrote on X that the police, city hall, and community representatives are working to protect affected buildings. Those who participate in the unrest will feel the full force of the law. "In London, we have zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, or any form of hate."
Law firms and advice centers in the crosshairs
Right-wing riots in England and Northern Ireland have kept the country on edge for days. There have been attacks on security forces, asylum seeker accommodations, and mosques. Cars and buildings have been set on fire, and bricks, fence posts, and other objects have been used as projectiles. Dozens of police officers have been injured. Media reports suggest that law firms and advice centers that support asylum seekers in their applications could also be targeted by far-right troublemakers. An online list of addresses has been circulating in chat groups, and participants have been urged to cover their faces in text messages.
In Birmingham, a pub was attacked by men who tried to stop far-right troublemakers. Reports suggest that they were Muslims who had partially armed themselves. A video circulating on social media shows a man being beaten and kicked by a group of attackers waving a Palestinian flag outside the pub. The Birmingham police denied accusations of double standards and announced that they would pursue any criminal offenses. A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of carrying an offensive weapon.
The trigger for the riots was misinformation on the internet.
Right-wing riots erupted following a stabbing incident at a dance class in Southport near Liverpool last Monday, resulting in the deaths of three girls and injuries to others. False reports circulated online claiming the attacker was an asylum seeker with a Muslim name, but police deny this. The suspect was identified as a 17-year-old born in the UK with parents from Rwanda. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
The British government holds online instigators partly responsible for the violence and has vowed to hold social media companies more accountable. Billionaire Elon Musk weighed in on his platform X, personally attacking the British Prime Minister, whom he mocked as "TwoTierKier" (roughly "TwoTierKier"). When asked, Starmer declined to respond and instead emphasized his focus on restoring safety.
Police in Belfast suspect paramilitary involvement
So far, cities across England, including London, Liverpool, Leeds, Sunderland, Nottingham, Bristol, Plymouth, and many smaller surrounding areas, have been affected by the riots. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, also experienced severe clashes, with a man sustaining serious injuries after being attacked by a group. Police believe hate was the motive.
In Northern Ireland, police suspect the involvement of paramilitary forces. Despite the end of the Northern Ireland conflict over 25 years ago, armed splinter groups from both Protestant and Catholic factions still exist. Protestant forces are likely behind the riots. No riots have been reported in the British regions of Scotland and Wales.
The police are taking necessary measures to protect law firms and advice centers that support asylum seekers, as recent reports suggest they could be targeted by far-right troublemakers. The chief of the Metropolitan Police Service, Andy Valentine, confirmed that hateful groups have expressed their intent to cause disruption and division in the capital, but such behavior will not be tolerated.
