The British government said on August 6 that it had mobilized 6,000 special police officers to respond to far-right riots that broke out after a stabbing that killed three children last month.
A wave of violent anti-immigration protests across Britain began on July 30 after a stabbing in Southport, northwest England, that left three children dead, sparked by misinformation spread on social media about the suspect’s identity and religion. Riots have since broken out in several cities and towns, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Crowds have thrown bricks and flares, attacked police, set fire to and looted shops, and smashed the windows of cars and homes.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Justice Minister Heidi Alexander said the British government had prepared prisons to detain rioters and disorderly people, and had mobilised 6,000 special police officers to deal with the violence. Police said 378 people had been arrested so far and would be brought to trial.
On August 5, Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee to discuss measures to deal with the widespread unrest. Attending the meeting were Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Chief of the British Armed Forces Tony Radakin, and Chief of the Greater London Police Mark Rowley. Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Starmer emphasized that the government would strengthen criminal justice to ensure that sanctions were implemented quickly.
