Courts will now be open 24 hours a day to address the rise in far-right violence across the UK. Following emergency talks between ministers and senior judiciary members, plans are underway to combat the clashes between the far-right, police, and counter-protesters in various cities and towns.
Violence erupted in places like Sunderland, Manchester, Stoke, and Hull, with shocking scenes of people throwing bricks at police officers in Liverpool. Two officers were hospitalized, one with a suspected broken jaw and another with a broken nose. To handle the surge in arrests, the Ministry of Justice is discussing extended court hours in collaboration with police chiefs and the Crown Prosecution Service.
The Additional Courts Protocol, previously used during the 2011 London riots, may be activated to allow courts to operate around the clock. This move aims to swiftly process those in custody and address the recent outbreaks of violence. The recent riots were reportedly triggered by misinformation surrounding the tragic incident in Southport where three girls were killed.
In Liverpool, far-right individuals engaged in violent behavior, throwing bricks and bottles at officers who responded with tear gas. Similar incidents occurred in other cities like Stoke-on-Trent, Belfast, and Hull, where anti-Islamic sentiments and clashes between different groups escalated tensions. Scuffles broke out in Nottingham as opposing sides confronted each other, with chants and projectiles adding to the chaos.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper strongly condemned the criminal activities and disorder witnessed in the aftermath of the Southport stabbings. She emphasized that those involved in the violence will face severe consequences, including arrests, prosecution, fines, imprisonment, and travel restrictions. Despite these warnings, police anticipate further unrest in the following days.
Chief Constable BJ Harrington, speaking on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, expressed concerns about the lack of compassion and respect displayed during the recent incidents. He assured the public that law enforcement is prepared to handle any future disruptions, with additional units and trained officers deployed across the country to maintain order and ensure community safety.
