- Stirmer threatens another run-in with harsher law
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warns rioters facing expected new unrest in dozens of cities with severe penalties. "If you incite violent unrest on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law," the new PM wrote on X.
Starmer referenced the first convictions of riot participants. A court in Liverpool sentenced three men to jail terms of 20 months to three years. One of the confessed offenders struck a police officer, another set fire to a police vehicle. Nationwide, dozens of law enforcement officers have been injured.
Nationwide, there could be protests and potentially riots at over 100 locations, including the capital London, on a "Big Day," according to UK media citing social media calls. Around 30 counter-protests were also planned, with some MPs set to participate. In some areas, shop owners boarded up their businesses and restaurants. Several countries, including China, India, and Australia, advised their citizens to be vigilant in the UK.
Riots have been ongoing for over a week
The anti-Muslim riots followed a stabbing incident in the northwest English town of Southport. On 29 July, three girls aged six, seven, and nine were killed, and several children and two adults were injured. False rumors spread online that a Muslim migrant was the attacker. Influential accounts on X and Telegram shared these misinformation. The police stressed that the suspect is a 17-year-old born in the UK to Rwandan parents. The motive remains unclear.
Media reports suggest that the police expect right-wing rioters to target not only hotels housing migrants but also law firms and advisory centers supporting asylum seekers. Reports say that 6,000 officers are on standby, with additional forces sent to northern England, said London's police chief, Mark Rowley.
Law enforcement is focusing on deterrence. Of the over 400 rioters arrested, around 120 have been charged. Justice minister Heidi Alexander said that over 560 additional prison places will be created from next week. The head of the CPS, Stephen Parkinson, told Sky News that the prosecution service is considering a terrorism charge in at least one case.
The increased hardness in penalties for rioters, as mentioned by Prime Minister Starmer, could potentially deter further acts of violence. The police are currently dealing with riots that have been ongoing for over a week, demonstrating the significance of addressing hardness in handling such situations.
