News
Government condemns ‘far-right thuggery’ following UK-wide protests over the weekend
"Crime is crime. And this Government will tackle it."
![](https://themanc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/53839153838_39ea2bd325_b.jpg)
The Government has condemned what it has referred to as “far-right thuggery” following demonstrations across the UK over this past weekend.
Following the devastating killing of three young girls during a knife attack in the Merseyside seaside town of Southport on 29 July, with several others also injured during the incident – including two adults, believed to be protecting children – widespread far-right protests, and counter demonstrations, have been taking place nationwide.
Towns and city centres across the UK have been subjected to what local police services have described as a “staggering level of violence” for the past five days.
The North, and North West in particular, has seen the most violence occur.
![](https://themanc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/358149628_697214379100784_8193830643776381731_n-1600x1067.jpeg)
Middlesborough, Rotherham, Hull, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Blackpool, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, and of course, Southport itself, are some of the towns and cities where marches were staged, and actions such as cars being set alight, windows of shops and hotels smashed, and burning wheelie bins and other objects hurled at police officers, were carried out.
More than 140 people have been arrested so far across the country, according to Sky News.
Here in Greater Manchester, disorder has been seen on the streets of Manchester city centre over the weekend, as well as borough towns like Rochdale, and most-notably, Bolton – where Section 34 ‘dispersal notices’, and Section 60 and 60AA ‘stop and search’ powers, have been in place at the latter.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has addressed unrest and violence around the UK.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 4, 2024
He said: "I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder either directly or those whipping up this disorder online".
Latest: https://t.co/H3zHiiSOa9 pic.twitter.com/0HS4C2GX1E
Because of the riots, Downing Street is expected to hold an emergency COBRA response meeting today (Monday 5 August), with this meeting expecting to involve relevant Government ministers and police officials, who will discuss the response in the coming days to ensure such violent scenes aren’t repeated in the future.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also addressed the escalating situation as it continued Sunday evening (4 August) at Downing Street, assuring the public that “crime is crime” and this new Government “will tackle it”.
Our country is coming to terms with an act so inexplicably vile.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 1, 2024
Our thoughts are with the families at the heart of this unimaginable pain.
Let me be clear: the tiny, mindless minority in our society who provoked violent disorder on our streets will be made to face the full…
The Prime Minister‘s address reads in full: “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.
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 4, 2024
Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ
“There is no justification 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.
Read more:
- Taylor Swift ‘completely in shock’ as she pays tribute to Southport attack victims
- Hundreds of emergency ‘trauma kits’ are to be installed across Manchester city centre
- Government unveils plan to build 1.5 million new homes in England over next five years – with 50% ‘affordable’
“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.”
Featured Image – Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street (via Flickr)