A new police unit will be formed to tackle violent disorder across the UK after recent riots by far-right groups in response to the Southport stabbings, as announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The violence that erupted in Southport, Hartlepool, and London following the attack that tragically took the lives of three young girls has prompted the government to take action against those who seek to disrupt public order.
During a press conference held at Downing Street, the Prime Minister condemned the actions of a small group in society who caused distress to a grieving community by inciting riots after the stabbings. He highlighted the need for a national capability to address violent disorder effectively across police forces.
The victims of the attack at The Hart Space community center in Southport were six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar. Eight other children sustained stab wounds, with five now in stable condition and two discharged from the hospital. Two adults remain in critical condition.
The violence initially erupted outside a Southport mosque and later spread to other locations, including London and Hartlepool. Numerous arrests were made in London and Hartlepool for offenses such as violent disorder, assault on an emergency worker, and breach of protest conditions. Demonstrators in London waved banners bearing slogans like “Stop the boats,” fueled by misinformation on social media linking the attack to a Muslim asylum seeker.
Following a meeting with police chiefs, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement with the necessary powers to prevent future riots. The government plans to utilize shared intelligence, facial recognition technology, and preventative measures like criminal behavior orders to curb violent disorder. Local insights and data, along with cooperation from the British Transport Police, will be crucial in identifying potential outbreaks of organized violence.
The Prime Minister clarified that the recent riots were not legitimate protests but acts of violent disorder that undermine the rule of law. He reassured the public that the government is committed to upholding the values and security of the British people by putting an end to such criminal acts.
In response to the online incitement of violence, Sir Keir called out social media companies for allowing such behavior to flourish on their platforms. He stressed that spreading misinformation and encouraging violence online is a crime that must be addressed and prevented.
As the government takes steps to combat violent disorder and ensure public safety, the establishment of a dedicated police unit signifies a proactive approach to maintaining law and order across the country. The tragic events in Southport have underscored the need for swift and decisive action to prevent further acts of violence and protect communities from harm.
