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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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has addressed unrest and violence around the UK.
He said: "I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder either directly or those whipping up this disorder online".
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.
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.
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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.
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. 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.
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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.
“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)
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The ITV hype video for the 2026 World Cup has just done that – let’s make some memories
Danny Jones
We’ll admit, much like with Qatar ’22, there have been a few things about this upcoming World Cup that have made it harder to get in the mood than usual, but we must confess: ITV’s new opening titles for the 2026 edition have got us well and truly HYPED.
It’s funny what a quick little montage and some feel-good music can do.
Let’s face it, there are a lot of things about modern football we don’t like, and there are always going to be criticisms of FIFA and how they handle major tournaments, especially when it comes to the biggest international fixtures of them all.
Sadly, a lot of this is out of our control, but what we can do is our bit as supporters and get behind the boys; with trailers like this, it’s hard not to get yourself up for it…
How well you remember the customary title sequences for each tournament is usually a good barometer.
We have a feeling that this one is going to stick out in the memories of not just the kids enjoying maybe some of their first real major tournaments, but plenty of us adults, too.
The reaction online has been largely positive too, with popular football social media account, The 44, writing: “Oh my god! ITV have smashed it. Better or just as good as 2014”.
Another went on to say, “[It’s] mental how this one minute and nineteen second video has just made me incredibly excited for the World Cup. ITV know how to do an intro, don’t they?”
Furthermore, a third added: “Great intro. And FIFA might’ve messed everything up with 48 teams instead of 32 and blown it on ticket prices, but once the World Cup kicks off, there’s nothing like it.
With fewer fans being able to travel or even begin to remotely afford flying out for just one game, let alone the whole month, it’s great to see Manchester setting up big screens like these.
All that being said, there has, of course, still been lots of backlash over how hosting the World Cup in North America has been handled in general thus far.
Be it the plight of scammers, exorbitant ticket prices, punters and even referees being denied entry to the country due to President Trump’s travel sanctions, or the general political state over in the US, it’s far from a perfect year for ‘the beautiful game’ and its biggest competition.
However, it’s worth reminding that nations like Mexico have as strong an obsession with football as anyone on the planet, and Canada is clearly relishing the opportunity to host matches in Toronto and Vancouver, where footy is still their largest sport overall.
We expect there will still be plenty of protests and demonstrations, not to mention fairly public messages and statements up around the stadiums in the cities involved, no doubt, but one thing we can make sure of is that England will back the Three Lions both up in the stands and back here at home.
Those clips seen in the ITV video serve as yet another undeniable reminder that there is simply nothing like cheering on your country on the big stage, so make sure you lock down where to watch the World Cup in Manchester soon, and don’t miss a second of the action. It’s coming home.
Featured Images — ITV (screenshots)/Vincenzo Togni (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of new ‘immersive’ museum
Emily Sergeant
Manchester City has revealed key information about its new museum experience designed to immerse visitors in the history and culture of the club.
Set to open later this year in the heart of the £300m Medlock Square entertainment district at Manchester’s Etihad Campus, the Manchester City Museum Experience will be spread across 10 distinctive spaces and visitors will be able to take a trip down memory lane with nostalgic environments from throughout the club’s history.
Fans can also take part in interactive media experiences, like posing with all 48 major trophies won by the club’s first teams or trying their hand at football punditry.
The experience will combine the latest immersive technology with physical memorabilia drawn from across the club’s history to do this.
Hidden details and surprising ‘did you know’ facts are set to be embedded across the experience, so that even the most devoted Man City fans will have the chance to discover something new about the club they love.
CGIs of what the new museum experience will look like when it opens have been released.
By combining interactive environments, technology, and authentic artefacts, the experience is aiming to appeal to a wide audience – from lifelong Manchester City supporters, to families and those with a broader interest in football, culture, and the city of Manchester.
“Building a completely new museum has allowed us to create an immersive experience that celebrates the people and moments which have shaped Manchester City,” commented Danny Wilson, Managing Director at Manchester City Operations.
“But our story isn’t traditional and straightforward, so why should our museum experience be? We want something different. Something immersive which will resonate with our fans, as well as excite the wider city.
Manchester City releases CGIs and important details of its new ‘immersive’ museum / Credit: Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
“In doing so, we have developed something that appeals to fans, complements the Etihad Campus and provides a year round attraction for the city.”
When it opens, the Manchester City Museum Experience is set to complement the club’s existing Stadium Tour – which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK, according to TripAdvisor reviews.
Further information about the museum experience – including booking details – will be shared ahead of its opening later in 2026 during the phased completion of Medlock Square.
Featured Image – Manchester City / Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA)
Emily Sergeant -
5th August 2024 
