Police must remain on high alert in preparation for possible further unrest across the country, the prime minister is understood to have warned during a Cobra meeting on Thursday.
Speaking at his third emergency cabinet meeting since far-right violence began sweeping Britain last week, Sir Keir Starmer praised police and the quick sentencing of thugs involved in the rioting.
It comes after the National Police Chief’s Council said 20 riot-related events and three counter-gatherings were planned for today, with thousands of officers still on standby.
So far, 483 people have been arrested in relation to violent disorder across Britain following the stabbing of three young girls in Southport last Monday.
Two rioters who were “at the forefront” of violent far-right disorder on Merseyside have been jailed over their “disgraceful” actions.
John O’Malley, 43, and William Morgan, 69, were both handed a sentence of two years and eight months at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to violent disorder last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley joined his officers at dawn for raids to arrest rioting “thugs” following the anti-racism protests on Wednesday.
Have you been affected by this? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Police need to remain on high alert, Starmer says
- Police braced for dozens more potential gatherings
- Home secretary says ramped-up police response to stay in place
- Sadiq Khan says he does not feel safe as a Muslim
- Family of last remaining injured Southport girl ‘saddened’ by unrest
'Refugees welcome': Dozens attend anti-racism rally at Stormont
23:46
Alexander Butler
Crowds gathered at the parliament buildings in Belfast today to oppose the rioting seen across the city in the past week.
Dozens of people showed their support for the Stand Against Racism Unite in Hope and held banners reading “refugees welcome” and “hate is never the answer”.
It comes as the Northern Ireland Assembly is recalled to discuss the recent violent disorder.
Lancashire man arrested on suspicion of using social media to encourage violent disorder
23:41
Alexander Butler
A 39-year-old from Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of using social media to encourage others to take part in violent disorder, Merseyside Police said.
The man from Rufford, Ormskirk, was held on suspicion of encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence, believing one or more will be committed. He was also arrested on suspicion of engaging in violent disorder himself in Southport on July 30.
Watch: Former National Front member reveals moment realised he was ‘absolute scum’ during violent attack
23:30
Alexander Butler
Sadiq Khan says he does not feel safe as a Muslim following riots
23:16
Alexander Butler
Sadiq Khan has said he is not safe as an openly Muslim politician in the wake of the riots. The Mayor of London said he had “felt triggered” by the events of the last week and was heartbroken that his children’s generation had felt scared.
Asked whether he felt safe as a Muslim politician, Mr Khan said: “Clearly I’m not safe, which is why I’ve got police protection.”
“Like a lot of people of my generation, I felt triggered by the events of the last couple of weeks in particular,” he told The Guardian.
“It’s difficult to explain the ripples when you’ve been targeted because of your religion or colour of your skin and you can’t change either of those things. And whether you’re seeing physical acts of violence taking place in the North-West or the North-East, you feel it in London.
“What’s heartbreaking to me is my children’s generation had never experienced what I had. And they, for the first time, were scared. I thought I’d be the last generation to be scared, simply for who I am. And it breaks my heart.”
Editorial: The British people have spoken – racism has no place here
22:58
Alexander Butler
Disgusted by the far-right violent disorder that has erupted in so many towns and cities, the great silent majority of the British people turned out in force to make their own protest – for decency, for tolerance, for respect and for the rule of law.
They did not feel the need to propel burning bins at the police, to attack asylum seekers, commit arson, loot shops, besiege places of worship or persecute their Muslim friends, colleagues and neighbours.
After days in which some of the worst of Britain was on shameful display has come a turning point – one where the law-abiding citizens of this country have decided that “enough is enough”.
The day Britain fought back: public praised for anti-racism gatherings that shut down far-right riots
22:30
Alexander Butler
Around 25,000 people took to the streets of Britain on Wednesday night to defy the far-right and send a message that communities would not be divided by hate.
The night air fizzed with energy as anti-racist protesters chanted “we fight back”, “refugees are welcome here” and “oppose Islamophobia” across cities and towns in the UK.
Police had warned more than 100 demonstrations could take place after a week of violence from far-right hooligans who have attacked police, torched hotels, attacked ethnic minorities and subjected them to vile racist taunts.
Police forces issue further CCTV appeals to identify disorder suspects
21:54
Alexander Butler
Police forces across the country have issued further CCTV appeals to identify people in connection with the widespread disorder over the past week.
Detectives investigating disorder in Merseyside issued images of 11 people on Thursday.
Merseyside Police said they had “received a significant number of calls from people naming those pictured” after releasing images of 14 people the day before.
Greater Manchester Police issued images of five people over an outbreak of disorder in the city centre’s Piccadilly Gardens on Saturday August 3, as well as 10 people following disorder in Bolton town centre on Sunday.
They also released a picture of a man they want to speak to after disorder on Oldham Road, Newton Heath, on July 31.
On Wednesday images of 21 people were issued by South Yorkshire Police in connection with violent disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, and Humberside Police released 16 images following unrest in Hull.
Man, 38, arrested on suspicion of violent disorder
21:42
Alexander Butler
A 38-year-old man from the Weymouth area has been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker in connection with protests that took place in the seaside town on Sunday, Dorset Police said.
The force said after it reviewed footage, he was arrested at his home and taken into custody to be interviewed by detectives.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: “Our approach to recent demonstrations has been clear, we will facilitate safe and legal protest but we must balance this with minimising impact on our communities.
“Where individuals are suspected of committing public order or criminal offences, we will deal with this robustly as this will not be tolerated.
Man jailed for racially aggravated social media post
21:28
Alexander Butler
A man from Maryport has been jailed for posting racially aggravated, offensive online content on social media, Cumbria Police said.
The force said Billy Thompson, 31, of Mill Street, Maryport, was arrested on Wednesday, charged on Thursday and appeared before North Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on the same day.
He admitted an offence under section 127 of the Communications Act and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.
The court heard how, on Wednesday, Thompson posted a racially aggravated and threating comment on a Facebook social media post informing the public of a dispersal order being imposed in Carlisle relating to potential planned disorder, the police said.
Tommy Robinson moans luxury Cyprus holiday ruined after stoking riots from abroad
21:15
Alexander Butler
Tommy Robinson has complained his family holiday to a luxury Cypriot resort has been ruined by journalists who revealed his location after he was accused of stoking far-right riots in the UK.
The English Defence League (EDL) founder, 41, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said he had left Cyprus and moved his children to Athens, Greece, but denied being on the run ahead of a High Court appearance in October.
Robinson said he had booked the Mediterranean break to spend time with his family and friends. He is thought to have left Britain last week ahead of a scheduled hearing in a contempt of court case. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The women involved in far-right riots across UK as social media awash with hate speech
20:58
Alexander Butler
While footage shows men have dominated the far-right riots that have erupted across England and Northern Ireland, women also featured in the unrest.
More than 400 people have been arrested since the violence began – with 100 already charged and suspects now going through the courts.
Rioters have attacked mosques, ambushed riot police, set fire to a hotel housing migrants and torched a public library and Citizens Advice Bureau building. There have been multiple incidents of ethnic minorities being attacked on the streets.
One expert in gender and radicalisation told The Independent social media has led to women sometimes having a more visible role in far-right movements.
Police need to remain on high alert, Starmer says
20:46
Alexander Butler
Sir Keir Starmer told an emergency Cobra meeting that police need to remain on high alert, it is understood.
The Prime Minister thanked the police and wider criminal justice system at his third Cobra meeting since violence broke out last week.
He also said there was no doubt that levels of policing in the right places and swift justice over the past week, including sentencing, have acted as a deterrent to disorder.
Starmer thanks police and community leaders
20:24
Holly Evans
In a post on social media, Sir Keir Starmer thanked emergency workers and community leaders for their efforts over the last week.
The prime minister said: “Thank you to the community and faith leaders and the police I visited today for keeping our communities safe.”
Thank you to the community and faith leaders and the police I visited today for keeping our communities safe. pic.twitter.com/mNbQwHXb8H
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 8, 2024
Far-right thug punches police officer in face during Southport riot
20:10
Holly Evans
Two people arrested for violent disorder in Bristol
19:57
Holly Evans
Two people have been arrested following violent disorder in Bristol on Saturday, police have said.
The men, both aged in their 40s, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.
It brings the total number of arrests made by Avon and Somerset Police in relation to the disorder on August 3 to 19.
Three men have so far been charged and are all due in court next month.
Home Secretary says ramped-up police response to stay in place
19:43
Holly Evans
The Home Secretary has said the ramped-up police response to potential further riots would continue and suggested it was having an impact on stemming days of disorder.
Yvette Cooper met with police officers and Deputy Commission Dame Lynne Owens at the Metropolitan Police’s specialist operations room in Lambeth on Thursday.
She was asked by the BBC if the deployment of a “standing army” of 6,000 officers would continue over the weekend.
Read the full article here:
More than £400,000 raised on GoFundMe to rebuild after riots
19:26
Holly Evans
More than £400,000 has been raised for rebuilding across the UK in the wake of the riots.
Multiple GoFundMe pages for repairs say the funds could go to relocating the businesses.
Donations have also surpassed £384,000 for the families of the three girls killed in the Southport attack on July 29, as well as the other victims.
The money for one GoFundMe will go to “rebuilding or relocating” the Merseyside town’s mosque that was “turned into a warzone”, the page said.
Liverpool Crown Court heard the violence in Southport on July 30 focused on the place of worship involved about 1,000 people, and the group’s chants included “This is our f****** country”, “England til I die” and “Allah, Allah, who the f*** is Allah”.
Thousands of the far-right were expected to riot on Wednesday – why didn’t they turn up?
19:19
Alexander Butler
More than a quarter charged with offences linked to riots are under 21
19:07
Alexander Butler
More than a quarter of people so far charged by police with offences linked to the recent riots across the country are under the age of 21, figures show.
Of 147 individuals charged since 30 July, 39 (27 per cent) are under 21, including 14 aged 16-17 and three under the age of 16.
The youngest is a 14-year-old boy who has been charged by Merseyside Police with violent disorder. People aged 21 to 30 account for 25 per cent of the total, with 31 to 40-year-olds 24 per cent, 41 to 50-year-olds 16 per cent, and over-50s the remaining 8 per cent.
Family of last remaining injured Southport girl ‘saddened’ by unrest
18:51
Alexander Butler
The family of a young girl injured in the Southport attack are “deeply saddened” by the far-right violence sweeping the country.
After she was released from the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, her family said: “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for their unwavering support and the extraordinary care they provided to our beloved daughter during this challenging time
“We also extend our deepest thanks to the air ambulance team, whose swift response and expertise were crucial in airlifting her from the scene to the hospital. We know that their intervention saved her life.
“We were deeply saddened by the recent disorder and the attacks on our police force. It is important to highlight that when the horrific events unfolded, our police officers were the first on the scene.
“We are immensely grateful to the officers who stood by our daughter’s side, providing assistance and support until she was safely transported to the hospital
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for our nation, especially for the families affected by these tragic events. We appreciate the continued support and compassion from everyone during this challenging period.
“While we are relieved that our daughter is on the path to recovery, our hearts go out to the families of Bebe, Alice, and Elsie during this immensely painful time. Thank you.”
Home Secretary says ramped-up police response to stay in place
18:32
Alexander Butler
The home secretary has said the ramped-up police response to potential further riots would continue and suggested it was having an impact on stemming days of disorder.
Yvette Cooper met with police officers and deputy commissioner Dame Lynne Owens at the Metropolitan Police’s specialist operations room in Lambeth on Thursday.
She was asked by the BBC if the deployment of a “standing army” of 6,000 officers would continue over the weekend.
She said: “We’re going to continue with this strong policing response, making sure that there are additional police officers ready to respond.”
After police were braced for disorder on Wednesday that largely failed to materialise, Ms Cooper said that expedited arrests, convictions and sentencing, as well as the thousands of additional officers on the streets, were having an impact.
The fast response from the criminal justice system “does show people that you really will pay the price for these crimes,” said Ms Cooper.
She added that the police are also continuing to pursue those involved in rioting on the ground as well as those orchestrating it online.
Man, 48, admits causing racially aggravated harassment
18:30
Alexander Butler
A 48-year-old man has admitted causing racially, religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress through words in relation to a demonstration in Leeds.
Philip Hoban, of Northcote Crescent, Leeds, pleaded guilty at Leeds Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Hoban was a prominent figure in an anti-immigration demonstration in the centre of Leeds on Saturday, where he could be seen shouting at hundreds of anti-fascist protesters and leading the chanting.
Scores of police were deployed outside Leeds’s museum and art gallery, where the two rival demos were kept apart by lines of officers.
'Tough' action by courts contributed to last night's 'turning point' in violence
18:15
Alexander Butler
“Tough sentencing” by UK courts contributed to a “turning point” in the violence and disorder last night, the chair of a policing body has said.
Chief Constable Gavin Stevens, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, told Sky News those involved in the violence were being pursued “vigorously”.
“We’ve seen many convictions come in through the courts already, tough sentencing,” he said.
“And I think that was one of the reasons last night that we saw a turning point in some of the violence from the last week.”
Breaking: Woman arrested over inaccurate social media post on identity of Southport stabbing suspect
18:04
Holly Evans
A woman has been arrested over the posting of inaccurate information on social media about the identity of the suspect in the Southport stabbings.
The 55-year-old, from near Chester, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred and false communications.
In the wake of three young girls being stabbed to death in Taylor Swift-themed dance class last week, police across the UK issued warnings over the spreading online of an “incorrect” name for the suspect and a false story about his background.
Woman named as first to share false Southport suspect rumour before riots says mistake ‘destroyed’ her
17:51
Alexander Butler
A British businesswoman accused of being the first person to share false information about the Southport killings of three girls has said the “mistake” has “destroyed” her.
Bonnie Spofforth is alleged to have fired off a tweet on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, wrongly claiming the stabbing suspect was an asylum seeker who came to the UK by boat hours after the three girls were killed.
The 55-year-old also shared an incorrect name for the boy accused of perpetrating attacks at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, in which three people died.
Watch: Woman launches herself into police officers during riot
17:41
Alexander Butler
Watch: Masked far-right rioters on roundabout surrounded by counter-protesters
17:31
Alexander Butler
Pictured: Four men sentenced in Cleveland
17:19
Alexander Butler
Bobby Shirbon, top left, took part in two consecutive nights of disorder in Hartlepool, Teesside Crown Court heard. He was seen smashing windows during violent scenes on July 31 – the day he turned 18. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Former postmaster and school governor Steven Mailen, 54, top right, was described as “one of the main instigators” of a large-scale disturbance in the town.
His partner Ryan Sheers, bottom left, 29, was bitten on the hip by a police dog during the incident. They were both jailed for two years and two months.
Kieron Gatenby, 19, was sentenced to 16 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution for throwing bottles and bricks at police.
At least 156 police officers injured in violence so far
17:13
Alexander Butler
At least 156 police officers have been injured so far in the unrest with 71 being taken to hospital, according to the PA news agency.
This figure only takes into account officer injuries from around half of the 43 forces across England and Wales. The total number of officers injured across all forces is not yet known.
Teenager jailed for rioting on his 18th birthday
17:05
Alexander Butler
A teenager who joined riots in Hartlepool while out celebrating his 18th birthday has been detained for 20 months.
Bobby Shirbon, of Cornwall Street, Hartlepool, took part in two consecutive nights of disorder in the town, Teesside Crown Court heard.
He was seen smashing windows during violent scenes on July 31 – the day he turned 18 – while part of a group that was throwing bricks and bottles at police.
The defendant then threw beer bottles at a police van while wearing a balaclava the following night as part of further disorder involving a smaller group of youths.
Shirbon, who pleaded guilty to two charges of violent disorder, said “it’s okay, everybody else is doing it” when he was arrested, it was said.
A statement from Cleveland Police Chief Constable Mark Webster said the riots had cost the region an estimated £300,000.
Starmer to chair third Cobra meeting
16:52
Alexander Butler
The Prime Minister will chair another Cobra meeting with law enforcement officials on Thursday afternoon to “reflect on last night” and plan for the coming days.
Sir Keir Starmer will hold the third high-level gathering of its kind in the last week, after threats of further disorder largely failed to materialise on Wednesday evening.
The meeting comes as jail terms have been handed out to some rioters, while others face charges relating to disorder across the country.
Man in 50s held on suspicion of ‘encouraging murder’ in Walthamstow
16:45
Alexander Butler
Police in London have held a man in his 50s on suspicion of “encouraging murder” after a Labour councillor allegedly called for far-right protesters’ throats to be “cut”.
It comes after the party suspended one of its elected representatives who is thought to have made the remark at a London demonstration on Wednesday evening.
Ricky Jones can no longer sit on Labour’s benches during Dartford Borough Council meetings in Kent while he is suspended.
The Metropolitan Police reposted a video to X, formerly Twitter, which featured a man who said: “They are disgusting Nazi fascists and we need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.”
Police bracing for dozens more potential gatherings today
16:32
Alexander Butler
Officers are preparing for dozens more riot-related events which could take place today, a policing body has said.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said “20 gatherings and three counter-gatherings” are planned.
A total of 483 arrests have been made in relation to the violent disorder which has erupted following the Southport killings, the NPCC said.
London mayor accuses Tories of stoking fears
16:15
Alexander Butler
Sadiq Khan has accused former Conservative ministers of using language that “plays on people’s fears” in response to disorder across the country in recent days.
The Mayor of London made the comments to reporters after participating in an anti-racism workshop organised by Chelsea football club at Stamford Bridge in west London on Thursday.
Mr Khan also said he is “not safe” as an openly-practising Muslim politician after being questioned about widespread disorder in the UK over the course of the last week.
Man admits punching and kicking black man in Manchester
16:00
Holly Evans
A man has admitted punching and kicking a man in the face during “shameful and frightening” disorder in Manchester.
Joseph Ley, 30, of Hardman Street, Stockport, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon.
Prosecutor Robin Lynch said “a large group of white males surrounded a black male” in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on Saturday.
Mr Lynch added: “This defendant can be heard saying: ‘You got a problem with us English, bro?’”
Ley then pushed the man to the floor, where he punched and “forcefully kicked” him in the face, the court heard.
District Judge Joanne Hirst remanded Ley into custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 15.
Queen’s University chief urges young people against violence as campus to close
15:45
Holly Evans
The head of Queen’s University Belfast has urged young people not to risk jeopardising their future by taking part in violence.
The university has announced its campus will be closed on Friday, with an anti-immigration protest and a counter-protest expected in the Northern Ireland capital.
Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer made a direct appeal to young people not to risk jeopardising their future and the future of the city through misguided actions.
“At Queen’s, we abhor violence and condemn without reservation Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia in all forms,” he said.
“As a university community, we are committed to diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging, and to our campus being a safe, secure environment for all staff and students.
“I urge young people who might become involved in violence to understand that the biggest threat to your future prospects does not come from people fleeing persecution in other parts of the world, or from committed international staff who underpin the Health Service, or from families, like yours, who wish to live in peace and contribute to society here.”
Couple jailed for rioting outside asylum centre following afternoon at the bingo
15:34
Holly Evans
A couple have been jailed after rioting on the streets of Hartlepool as part of a “baying mob” - hours after spending the afternoon at the bingo.
Former school governor and postmaster Steven Mailen, 54, and his partner Ryan Sheers, 29, were both sentenced to two years and two months behind bars after pleading guilty to violent disorder in the northeastern town.
Sheers and Mailen were “at the very forefront” of a “baying mob”, which was targeting buildings housing asylum seekers on Murray Street last Wednesday, Judge Francis Laird KC said.
Read the full article here:
Man admits spinning karate kick against shop during Manchester disorder
15:29
Holly Evans
A man has admitted carrying out a “spinning karate kick” against a shop window during disorder in Manchester on Saturday.
Oliver Chapman, 23, pleaded guilty to violent disorder at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon.
Prosecutor Robin Lynch said: “A large number of people began to kick shop windows and businesses. This defendant was seen to do a spinning karate kick against a window.”
Mr Lynch said Chapman, of Duke Street, Radcliffe, was “wearing a balaclava” at the time of the offence.
In a police interview, Chapman said he was “very sorry for what had happened”, adding he had “just got mixed up” and had felt “excited and adrenaline-filled”.
Mr Lynch told the court Chapman was “disruptive” while in custody, throwing coffee over his cell and being “abusive towards police officers”.
District Judge Joanne Hirst remanded Chapman into custody and ordered him to appear at Manchester Crown Court on August 15 to be sentenced.
English Football League working with police ahead of new season
15:19
Holly Evans
Additional police resources will be “drawn down the tiers” of the English Football League for the start of the new season on Saturday, the chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council has said.
Gavin Stephens said the English Football League was working with police as assessments were being refreshed by police on a “fixture-by fixture level”.
He said: “In reality, what will probably happen to do with some of those football fixtures is the resources will be drawn down the tiers, in order that bolster extra support.”
Mr Stephens added he felt the “community spirit” at football matches could act as a “big counterbalance” to any possible disorder.
Teenager sentenced for throwing bottles and bricks at police
15:13
Holly Evans
A teenager who was part of a group throwing bottles and bricks at police during riots in Hartlepool said he was not motivated by far right ideology and “got carried along” by the crowd.
Kieron Gatenby, 19, of Yeovil Walk, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 16 months’ detention in a young offenders’ institution.
Teesside Crown Court heard he was part of a group throwing missiles at police and smashing the windows of houses, cars and shops while chanting racial slurs.
Gatenby told police he had been going to his girlfriend’s house when he saw the police and wondered what was happening. He denied having any racist beliefs but admitted his behaviour was unacceptable.
Calum McNicholas, defending, said Gatenby’s actions were not motivated by a subscription to far right ideology.
He told the court: “He has three half-brothers who are mixed race and is disgusted in himself for getting involved with people who were chanting racial slurs.”
Teenager who stood on burning car in Sunderland riot in court
15:06
Holly Evans
A teenager who stood on top of a burning car during riots in Sunderland has pleaded guilty to violent disorder, police said.
Riley Adey, 19, of Heworth Crescent, was arrested after Northumbria Police executed arrest warrants at homes in Washington on Wednesday, following intelligence which included footage of Adey during the disorder.
Adey and Reece Greenwood, 31, of The Gardens, appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on Thursday.
They both pleaded guilty to one count of violent disorder and have been remanded in custody until their sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday.
Rioters intent on violence ‘have not gone away’, police chief warns
14:53
Holly Evans
Those “intent on violence and destruction have not gone away”, a police chief has warned after fewer events than planned materialised on Wednesday.
Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said that although there was a “turning point” on Wednesday night, “we are very focused on the weekend”.
He said: “There are many potential events still being advertised and circulated online. Those intent on violence and destruction have not gone away. They’ve certainly been deterred. They’ve certainly received a message from communities.
“But there’s no complacency at all in our mind that we need to be prepared for the days and particularly the weekend ahead. So the policing posture remains the same.”
He told reporters many police officers had sustained injuries including “fractures, lesions and severe bruising” amid the unrest.
“There’s a whole load of colleagues that have been injured, sadly, in the face of some of the violence that we saw, particularly last weekend, was just so brutal and ferocious”, he said, adding that rehabilitation and psychological support will be offered to officers because “for many, it was absolutely terrifying”.
More charges issued against rioters ‘by the hour’
14:43
Holly Evans
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “By the hour, further charges are being authorised, significant sentences of imprisonment are being passed and justice continues to be served after an extremely difficult period for the country.
“Our prosecutors are continuing to work swiftly and effectively in collaboration with the police.
“I am immensely proud of the way that the criminal justice system has responded so quickly and well, ensuring that the rule of law prevails and that justice is done and seen to be done.”
Nigel Farage doubles down on claims he did not provoke riots after Southport stabbings
14:38
Holly Evans