London, UK — The United Kingdom Government issued a stern warning on Sunday, declaring that violent disorder would “not be tolerated” following a series of far-right rallies that led to numerous arrests and clashes between protesters and police.
Unrest erupted across several English cities, including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, and Hull, as well as Belfast in Northern Ireland, after disinformation spread about a mass stabbing that occurred last week. The stabbing, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls, fueled clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters.
Around 90 people were arrested over the weekend as riots broke out, with incidents of brick and bottle throwing, flare attacks on police, looting, and arson. Some demonstrators were also reported to have shouted anti-Islamic slurs.
The violence has been linked to false rumors circulating on social media about the suspect in the stabbing case, 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. Rudakubana has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder related to an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party. The victims were identified as Bebe King, six; Elsie Stancombe, seven; and Alice Aguiar, nine. Rudakubana is also accused of injuring ten others.
The UK’s policing minister, Diana Johnson, condemned the unrest in an interview with BBC News, stating that such rioting would “not be tolerated” and promising “penalties and consequences” for those involved.
The violence, marking the fourth day of unrest, has also seen attacks on mosques in Southport and Sunderland, prompting increased security measures at Islamic centers across the country. Police have attributed the violence to supporters of the English Defence League (EDL), an anti-Islam group linked to football hooliganism.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing his first major challenge since taking office last month, condemned the rioters as “thugs” who have “hijacked” the nation’s grief to incite hatred. Starmer has vowed that perpetrators of violent acts will “face the full force of the law.”
Following discussions with senior ministers, Starmer reiterated the government’s support for the police and their efforts to maintain public safety. The police have cautioned that further demonstrations are expected.