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

Work commences on multi-million-pound scheme to build affordable and energy-saving homes in Oldham

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Ground has finally been broken on a new multi-million-pound scheme to build a slate of new affordable and energy-saving homes in Oldham.

Headed up by First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), the current development in the Hathershaw area is part of a wider strategy to deliver a total of 1,100 high-quality, sustainable properties in the borough and surrounding areas which was greenlit in 2020 and is estimated to run until 2026.

With increasing demand across the region, not to mention housing and cost of living crises across the country, FCHO has commenced work on the properties, enlisting Arca Construct Ltd as the main contractor and the project is estimated to be completed by summer 2025.

Construction work on the first 19 energy-saving and affordable Oldham homes is now well underway for the scheme, which is to cost around £4.5 million.

Credit: First Choice Homes Oldham (via supplied)

The Hathershaw developments include 16 three-bedroom houses along Belgrave Road and a further trio of three-bedroom homes over on neighbouring Thatcher Street.

Utilising an injection of £1.07m in funding from Homes England and a £285,000 Brownfield Housing Fund grant via Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the scheme involves transforming a former garage site into homes for affordable rent.

As part of FCHO’s green focus and sustainability targets set in its ‘Big Plan and Sustainability Strategy’, all the homes being created are also going to be eco-friendly as a priority.

Each property is being built to ensure the performance of materials that make up the building is maximised – known in the industry as a ‘fabric first approach.’

Moreover, with energy bills so challenging these days and Greater Manchester weather being what it is, each home will be highly insulated to ensure they are as warm and economical for customers as possible.

The housing association also includes a dedicated Homes and Neighbourhoods team to support homeowners once they’re all moved in.

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Better still, with high energy efficiency specs in mind, all 19 of these affordable Oldham homes are set to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B, not only saving customers money but also helping reduce their overall carbon footprint.

FCHO’s Development Director, Joel Owen, said of work kicking off: “It is fantastic to see these energy-efficient and affordable homes starting to take shape. Not only do they complement our commitment to provide high quality and affordable homes to people in the communities we are based in and serve but also our work to have sustainable and energy-efficient housing stock.”

 Arca Construct’s Head of Construction, Nigel Lonsdale, added: “We understand the critical role First Choice Homes Oldham plays in providing affordable housing and are delighted to be working with them on this scheme.

“We pride ourselves on being a trusted partner, delivering exceptional results at competitive rates. Our membership in the Considerate Constructors Scheme and CHAS Elite underscores our commitment to quality and responsible construction.”

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Featured Images — Supplied

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Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ Manchester firefighter who died unexpectedly last week

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Tributes have been paid to a ‘much-loved’ Manchester firefighter who died unexpectedly at his home last week.

Francois Childs, who was better known as ‘Frankie’ to his friends and family, served on Green Watch at Broughton Community Fire Station in Salford, where he had been based since joining Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) in January 2018.

Frankie joined GMFRS following a career in banking, and serving with the machine gun platoon of the Bury Fusiliers.

But the 44-year-old sadly passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” at his home in Prestwich last Tuesday (3 September).

The former Army reservist leaves behind wife Sarah, two children, his parents, and three brothers.

As well as being a dedicated GMFRS firefighter, Frankie was also one of 12 Fire Brigade Union (FBU) members who volunteered their time to travel to France to support the Care 4 Calais Charity back in November of 2023. 

Paying tribute to Frankie following his sad passing, Sarah Nattrass, who is the Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery at GMFRS, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of our colleagues and share our heartfelt condolences with Frankie’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“Frankie was part of our GMFRS family for more than six years as a much-loved member of Green Watch, Broughton, and he will be very sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues.”

The FBU has also paid a touching tribute.

“The charity could not provide this support without dedicated and caring people like Frankie,” an FBU spokesperson said.

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“His support will not be forgotten by the FBU or by the many people his efforts undoubtedly helped contributed to making refugees lives better.”

Featured Image – GMFRS

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