LONDON: The United Kingdom authorities faced growing pressure on Sunday to put an end to England’s worst rioting in 13 years after disturbances linked to child murders and involving far-riot agitators flared across the country.
The unrest, which began in response to the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport, has ignited widespread clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and police, stretching across multiple towns and cities.
On Saturday, violent skirmishes erupted in cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull, and Belfast. Approximately 90 people were arrested as rioters engaged in violent confrontations with police, throwing bricks, bottles, and flares, and engaging in looting and arson.
The riots have resulted in several injuries among law enforcement officers and significant damage to property. The violence has been marked by clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters, exacerbating fears of further escalation.
This wave of unrest represents the worst violence England has experienced since the summer of 2011, when riots erupted following the police killing of a mixed-race man in north London. Tiffany Lynch of the Police Federation of England and Wales described the current situation as unprecedented in its scale, with riots now spreading across major cities and towns rather than being confined to specific areas.
The government has faced mounting pressure to address the situation, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who assumed office only a month ago, under intense pressure. The unrest, which began after a knife attack on three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party in Southport, was fueled by misinformation about the suspect’s background.
Axel Rudakubana, the British-born 17-year-old charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, has been the focal point of false rumors circulating on social media.
The violence has been attributed to supporters of the English Defence League (EDL), a far-right anti-Islam organization known for its ties to football hooliganism. The violent protests have targeted mosques and Islamic centers, prompting increased security measures at places of worship.
The far-right rallies have been organized under the banner “Enough is Enough,” with demonstrators waving English and British flags and chanting anti-immigration slogans such as “Stop the boats.”
Counter-rallies have also seen confrontations, with demonstrators in Leeds shouting “Nazi scum off our streets” in response to the far-right protesters’ chants. While not all of Saturday’s gatherings turned violent, some participants expressed grievances over perceived societal issues.
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The rise of far-right elements in British politics, evidenced by the Reform UK party’s significant 14 percent vote share in last month’s election, has been linked to the current unrest. Critics suggest that the political climate has emboldened extremist elements and intensified tensions.
In response to the chaos, the government has vowed to take robust action. Policing Minister Diana Johnson said that the rioting “will not be tolerated,” promising “penalties and consequences” for those involved. Extra police officers have been deployed, and Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood assured that the justice system is prepared to process cases swiftly.
Starmer has condemned the rioters, accusing them of “hijacking” national grief to incite hatred. He announced new measures, including enhanced intelligence sharing, the wider use of facial-recognition technology, and criminal behavior orders aimed at restricting troublemakers’ movements.
Policing minister Johnson said the government will do “whatever it takes” to ensure people are brought to justice, including the possibility of courts sitting overnight as they did during the riots in 2011.
