- Starmer holds emergency meeting with ministers and police chiefs.
- “Our first duty is to ensure that our communities are safe,” he said.
- The UK Prime Minister says more than 400 people have been arrested.
As unrest in the United Kingdom escalates, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there would be enough police on the streets to control anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant riots.
“They will be safe. We are doing everything we can to ensure that where a police response is needed, it is available, and where support is needed in certain locations, it is available,” Starmer told reporters.
He made the comments after an emergency meeting with ministers and police chiefs on Tuesday, saying police would be on the scene to deal with any further disorder.
Assuring citizens that violent protests will be contained, the prime minister said: “Our first duty is to ensure that our communities are safe.”
Riots have broken out in several cities and towns following the murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Southport, a seaside town in north-west England, after false social media posts wrongly identified the suspected killer as Muslim.
Rioters began attacking mosques and smashing windows of hotels housing asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East, chanting “get them out.”
Starmer added that the ongoing incidents in various locations were a major obstacle to tackling the situation. However, police have assured him that they are keeping the situation under control.
In this regard, the Government has also increased prison capacity to accommodate a large number of prisoners.
Starmer also mentioned successful arrests made by the government.
“More than 400 people have been arrested, 100 have been charged and sentencing is expected soon,” he said. “Anyone involved in this disorder will feel the full weight of the law.”
Online messages said immigration centres and law firms that help migrants would be attacked on Wednesday, prompting anti-fascist groups to say they would counter any demonstrations.
The unrest has prompted India, Australia, Nigeria and other countries to warn their citizens to remain vigilant.
