In the months leading up to this summer’s riots, police leaders initially downplayed the threat of violence from far-right protests, focusing instead on other potential public order threats. Despite internal documents showing a shift in priorities, experts argue that the police underestimated the far-right threat. The National Police Chiefs’ Council identified the far right as “cultural nationalists” and noted their focus on asylum seeker accommodation. The riots that ensued were sparked by false claims of crimes committed by immigrants, amplified on social media to incite emotional responses.
Hope Not Hate criticized the police for failing to adequately address far-right street violence and anti-Muslim hatred. A senior police source defended their approach, citing no clear indicators of imminent violence. The NPCC clarified that strategic threat assessments aim to provide a comprehensive overview rather than rank priorities, emphasizing the evolving landscape of protest movements. As the assessment for autumn 2024 is underway, the ongoing challenge remains confronting the far-right threat effectively to prevent a recurrence of violent unrest.
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