Sir Keir Starmer has stated that he anticipates the sentencing of many far-right rioters who were convicted after recent widespread unrest to be completed by the end of the week. This comes as police gear up for 30 more protests scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening. While officers in Liverpool and Durham have issued dispersal orders to prevent potential unrest, Tuesday night passed without the violent incidents that have been occurring across the UK since the initial disturbances in Southport a week ago.
However, there are still concerns about the possibility of further rioting directed towards immigration law specialists, some of whom have either closed their offices or requested additional police protection. A list of solicitors’ firms and advice agencies has been circulated in chat groups as potential targets for gatherings, with a message urging attendees to wear masks if they decide to participate. The Law Society of England and Wales has condemned these gatherings as a direct attack on the legal profession, while Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has labeled threats against solicitors as unacceptable, warning that those making such threats will be arrested, joining the hundreds of others already in police custody over the past week.
By the end of the week, approximately 6,000 specialized officers will be available, forming the “standing army” of police announced by Sir Keir on Monday. These officers have been reassigned from their regular duties to address the ongoing disorder. In addition to increasing the number of riot police on standby, law enforcement agencies are also intensifying neighborhood patrols, deploying teams of detectives to analyze CCTV and body-worn camera footage, and utilizing retrospective facial recognition technology to identify perpetrators of violence. Intelligence teams are closely monitoring well-known influencers and organizers for any signs of activity.
Over 400 individuals have been arrested in connection to the riots, with charges still being filed as of Tuesday night and defendants expected to appear in court on Wednesday. The violence was triggered by false claims regarding the identity of the teenager suspected of a knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three young girls and injuries to several others in Southport on July 29. The unrest has led to looting of shops and attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers.
After leading his second COBRA meeting in two days, the prime minister emphasized the swift response to those involved in the disorder, warning them of imminent consequences. He stressed that no one should engage in such violent activities. However, there have been allegations of “two-tier policing,” with some perceiving that the far-right is being treated more severely than other groups.
Critics, including Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the social media platform X, have been vocal in their opposition to Sir Keir’s approach, with Musk using his website to publish inflammatory posts.
