- More riots expected in UK <unk> first countries to issue travel warnings
British Police Braces for Mass Far-Right Riots
According to media reports, the British police is preparing for massive far-right riots. Today, "Big Day" protests and potential unrest are expected at 30 locations, including the capital London, as reported by Sky News citing security sources.
It is reported that 6,000 police officers will be on duty. However, there are doubts whether this will be sufficient. Law enforcement agencies are also relying on deterrence: Out of more than 400 arrested troublemakers, around 100 have already been charged. According to Justice Minister Heidi Alexander, more than 560 additional prison places will be created from next week.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired another meeting of the national Cobra crisis committee on Tuesday evening to consult with cabinet members and representatives of the security forces about the situation.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said he expects "substantial convictions" of troublemakers by the end of the week. "This should send a powerful message to all those involved, directly or online, that they will be held accountable within a week," said the Labour politician.
Law Firms and Advisory Centers in the Crosshairs
Far-right 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, bricks, fence posts, and other objects have been used as projectiles. Dozens of police officers have been injured.
According to media reports, the police expect that law firms and advisory centers that support asylum seekers in their applications could be targeted by far-right troublemakers on Wednesday.
In Birmingham, a pub was attacked by men who tried to stop far-right rioters. Reports suggest they were Muslims who had partially armed themselves.
In a video circulating on social media, a man can be seen being beaten and kicked by a group of attackers with 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.
Misinformation Online Sparks Mass Unrest
The far-right riots began after a stabbing incident at a dance class in Southport near Liverpool last Monday, in which three young girls were killed and several others injured.
False information was then spread online claiming that the attacker was an asylum seeker with a Muslim name. The police denied this. It was reported that the attacker was a 17-year-old born in Britain, whose parents are from Rwanda. The motive for the attack is still unclear.
The British government holds online instigators responsible for the violence and has announced that it will hold social media companies more accountable.
Multibillionaire Elon Musk intervened on his social media platform X, personally attacking the British prime minister, whom he mocked as "TwoTierKier" (roughly: "Double Standard Kier"). Starmer declined to comment when asked by a reporter and instead emphasized his focus on restoring security.
Police in Belfast Suspect Paramilitary Involvement
Affected by the riots so far are cities across all parts of England, including London, Liverpool, Leeds, Sunderland, Nottingham, Bristol, Plymouth, and many smaller towns in their vicinity. Violent clashes also occurred in the Northern Irish capital, Belfast, where a man suffered severe injuries after being attacked by a group. Police suspect hate as the motive behind the incident.
In Northern Ireland, police suspect the involvement of paramilitary forces. Despite the end of the Northern Irish conflict over 25 years ago, armed splinter groups from both Protestant and Catholic factions still exist. Protestant forces are believed to be responsible for the riots. No riots have been reported in the British regions of Scotland and Wales.
Countries warn citizens about the situation in the UK
Several countries are advising their citizens to be vigilant due to the far-right unrest in the UK. The Chinese diplomatic mission in London has urged Chinese citizens and tourists to avoid affected areas and closely monitor the security situation.
The Indian High Commissioner in London warned visitors to remain alert and "exercise due caution". Australia advised avoiding areas where protests are taking place due to the risk of disruption and violence.
Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates have also issued warnings. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that "the recent unrest in the United Kingdom poses an increased risk of violence and disorder". The violence has reached dangerous levels. Germany has not changed its travel and safety advice for the UK following the riots.
The far-right riots in England have also reached the coastal town of Southport, near Liverpool. The incidents were sparked by a stabbing incident involving three girls, one of whom was killed.
As the situation in Southport escalates, the British police has expressed concerns about potential targeting of law firms and advisory centers that support asylum seekers, following similar incidents in Birmingham.
