Downing Street to Hold Cobra Meeting Amid Escalating Anti-Immigration Riots
Downing Street is set to convene a Cobra emergency response meeting on Monday following attempts by "thugs" to storm hotels housing asylum seekers, marking the sixth consecutive day of escalating disorder.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the nation on Sunday, condemning the rioters and promising they would face severe consequences for their "far-right thuggery." He assured that those involved in the unrest would "face the full force of the law."
Monday’s Cobra meeting will include relevant ministers and police representatives to discuss strategies to prevent a recurrence of the violent scenes witnessed across the country.
In response to the ongoing violence, the Home Office announced on Sunday that mosques would receive increased protection under a new “rapid response process” aimed at quickly addressing threats to places of worship.
A large crowd gathered outside a mosque in Middlesbrough on Sunday night, and other mosques have also been targeted in recent days. In Rotherham, anti-immigration rioters smashed windows at the Holiday Inn Express and started fires. At least 10 officers were injured, including one who was knocked unconscious. South Yorkshire Police confirmed one arrest and warned that others involved should "expect us to be at their doors very soon."
Masked men in Middlesbrough were seen hurling objects at officers, smashing windows, and causing significant damage to the Crown Court and the University. Cleveland Police reported 43 arrests and significant property damage.
In Tamworth, similar scenes unfolded at a Holiday Inn hotel, where asylum seekers were reportedly housed. Protesters threw projectiles, smashed windows, and started fires, according to Staffordshire Police.
Violence has erupted in several parts of England and Northern Ireland following the recent killing of three young girls in Southport, presenting a significant challenge to Sir Keir’s premiership. MPs including Ian Byrne and Dame Priti Patel have called for Parliament to be recalled to debate the riots, as it was in 2011.
Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf suggested that the army should be deployed to quell the disorder. However, ministers have maintained that the police have the necessary resources to handle the situation and have rejected calls to involve the military.
Sir Keir reassured those feeling targeted due to their race, stating, "this violent mob does not represent our country." He warned the rioters, “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves.”
Dame Sara Khan, former independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience, criticized the Conservative government for leaving the country vulnerable to far-right violence. “The writing was clearly on the wall for some time,” she told the Guardian.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, writing in The Times, promised a "reckoning" for those involved in the unrest and those inciting it online. “These are not patriots standing up for their communities,” she said. “They are thugs, criminals, and extremists who betray the values our country is built on.”
Shadow Minister for Security Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative leadership candidate, described the violence as "abhorrent acts" with no justification. He called on the Government to "get a grip" and provide police with "all available resources."