British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called an emergency meeting to address recent street violence and attacks on asylum seeker housing, condemning them as thuggery. Right-wing activists fueled by social media spread misinformation about a stabbing rampage, leading to attacks on immigrants and Muslims.
During the meeting, the government discussed plans to prevent future violence. The Home Office is offering mosques greater protection under a new rapid response process to address threats of attacks on places of worship.
Responding to Thuggery
Starmer condemned the far-right thuggery, promising that perpetrators would face the full force of the law. Following anti-immigration protests near Rotherham, police arrested 147 people, with more to follow. Starmer emphasized the need to address the fear caused by “marauding gangs” in Rotherham.
Local police reported injuries to officers during confrontations, with some needing medical attention. Starmer stressed the criminal nature of the violence and stated that law enforcement will take firm action.