The UK government is set to hold an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday following a series of violent incidents targeting hotels housing asylum seekers. This meeting, expected to involve key ministers and police representatives, aims to address the ongoing unrest that has escalated over the past week.
The violence erupted after the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport, which has led to widespread disorder across England and Northern Ireland. Rioters have targeted hotels, mosques, and other locations in a series of anti-immigration protests.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the violence, describing the actions of the rioters as “far-right thuggery.” He vowed that those involved in the unrest would “regret” their actions and face legal consequences. Starmer’s comments came as he addressed the nation on Sunday, promising a robust response to the violence.
The Home Office has announced a new “rapid response process” to enhance protection for mosques amid the rising threat to places of worship. This decision follows incidents such as a large crowd gathering outside a mosque in Middlesbrough and attacks on various properties, including the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham.
In Rotherham, anti-immigration protesters smashed windows and started fires at the Holiday Inn Express, resulting in injuries to at least 10 police officers. Similarly, disturbances occurred at a Holiday Inn in Tamworth, where rioters threw projectiles and caused significant damage.
The unrest has also affected other areas, including Middlesbrough, where rioters vandalized property and attacked officers, and Bolton, where Greater Manchester Police issued a Section 60AA order to manage the violence. In total, 43 arrests have been made, and significant damage has been reported.
The violence follows the Southport incident, which has become a flashpoint for the protests. The scale of the unrest has led some MPs and public figures to call for the UK parliament to be recalled, as it was during the 2011 riots. Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has even suggested deploying the army to restore order.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has promised that those responsible for the violence and those inciting it online will face consequences. She condemned the perpetrators as “thugs, criminals, and extremists” who do not represent British values.
Shadow Minister for Security Tom Tugendhat has described the attacks as “abhorrent” and called for the government to provide the police with all necessary resources to handle the situation.
In response to the growing unrest, Stand Up To Racism launched an Emergency Unity Fund, which raised over £7,900 in its first 11 hours to support efforts against far-right violence.
As the government prepares to address the situation in its emergency meeting, there are calls for a decisive and coordinated response to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities.
A car burns on Parliament Road, in Middlesbrough, during an anti-immigration protest. Picture date: Sunday August 4, 2024.
