The deplorable scenes of far-right thuggery we have seen over the weekend must be condemned in the strongest terms. I wholeheartedly endorse the statements made by our Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. We must be unequivocal in our condemnation of racist violence and those involved will rightly face the full force of the law.
Prime Minister’s Statement, Sunday 4th August 2024:
“I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend. Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.
The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow.
I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder. Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves.
This is not protest. It is organised, violent thuggery. And it has no place on our street or online. Right now, there are attacks happening on a hotel in Rotherham.
Marauding gangs intent on law breaking. Or worse. Windows smashed. Fires set ablaze. Residents and staff in absolute fear.
There is no justification – none – for taking this action. And all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence.
People in this country have a right to be safe. And yet, we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted. Attacks on Mosques. Other minority communities singled out.
Nazi salutes in the street. Attacks on the police. Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.
So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is:
Far-right thuggery.
To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin…
Or your faith…
I know how frightening this must be.
I want you to know this violent mob do not represent our country. And we will bring them to justice.
Our police deserve our support, as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up.
Whatever the apparent cause or motivation we make no distinction. Crime is crime. And this government will tackle it.
Thank you.”
Ends
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper said:
“Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.
“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.
“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”