News

Government condemns ‘far-right thuggery’ following UK-wide protests over the weekend

"Crime is crime. And this Government will tackle it."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 5th August 2024

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.

The Government has condemned ‘far-right thuggery’ following UK-wide protests over the weekend / Credit: GMP

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.

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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.

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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”.

The Prime Minister‘s address reads in full: “I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.

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“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 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.

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“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. 

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“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)

News

Government announces homebuying overhaul to fix country’s ‘broken’ housing system

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant New build houses

The Government has announced what it’s calling the biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history. 

In a bid to ‘rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership for thousands nationwide, the Government has today (Monday 6 October) unveiled proposals that it says will speed up the long-drawn out and costly process of buying a home by four weeks.

The Housing Secretary says this will not only save people money, but unnecessary stress too.

The proposed new plans would see sellers and estate agents required to provide buyers with ‘vital’ information about a property upfront – including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chains of people waiting to move.

It’s hoped this will help end any last-minute chain collapses and ultimately give greater confidence to first-time buyers when they’re making one of life’s most important decisions. 

Houses
The Government has announced plans to fix the country’s ‘broken’ housing system / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)

Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers painstakingly spend months in negotiations to hopefully halve the number of failed transactions.

The new reforms are also proposing that prospective buyers are provided with side-by-side information on estate agents and conveyancers, including their track record and expertise, alongside new mandatory qualifications and Code of Practice to drive up standards and work to rebuild trust in the industry.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to Twitter this morning to address the proposed new homebuying overhaul, commenting: “I promised that my Government would fix the broken housing system.

“Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives. That’s national renewal.”

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, said buying a home should be ‘a dream, not a nightmare’.

He continued: “Our reforms will fix the broken system so hardworking people can focus on the next chapter of their lives. 

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“Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money back into working people’s pockets and making a simple dream a simple reality.”

Featured Image – James Feaver (via Unsplash)

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English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis

Danny Jones Danny Jones Lewis Moody diagnosed with MND

Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.

The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.

The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.

Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.

“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.

“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”

Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.

There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.

Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.

Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.

“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.

“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.

Take Care, Lewis Moody.”

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Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”

Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Lewis Moody (via Instagram)/Land Rover MENA (via Flickr)

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