Thousands of police officers are braced for more violence to erupt on the UK’s streets as dozens of immigration centres across the country have been named as targets on a far-right “hit list”.
A list of as many as 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities and immigration services is believed to have been widely circulated on social media over recent days, identifying their addresses as targets for far-right demonstrations on Wednesday – alongside flame emojis and calls to “mask up”.
Joe Mulhall, Director of Research at the anti-fascist group HOPE not hate, said: “This is a ‘hit list’ of aspirational targets that calls for action.”
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer chaired another emergency Cobra meeting on Tuesday evening. Speaking in Downing Street after the meeting, the prime minister vowed that “those involved will feel the full force of the law”.
Earlier in the week, Sir Keir announced a “standing army” of 6,000 specialist police officers to quell the ongoing violence after eight days of unrest across England and in Northern Ireland– and amid fears of more on Wednesday.
More than 400 people have been arrested since the violence began, 100 of whom have already been charged, with defendants expected in court on Wednesday.
Have you been affected by this? Email barney.davis.ind@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Thousands of police brace for more violence as 39 immigration centres on far-right ‘hit list’
- Police investigate racially motivated hate crimes in Belfast on Tuesday
- Around 100 charged and more than 400 arrested after disorder with numbers set to rise
- Prime minister speaks after Cobra meeting
- Inquests to begin into deaths of three girls stabbed to death in Southport
Targeting immigration services is ‘appalling development of racist hate and violence’, says Amnesty
09:21
Tara Cobham
Amnesty has described the expected targeting of immigration law firms and support services as” the latest appalling development of the racist hate and violence that has erupted over these last few days”.
Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UK’s Refugee and Migrant Rights Director, said: “Targeting immigration services and their providers and users is the latest appalling development of the racist hate and violence that has erupted over these last few days. Access to legal and support services, and the freedom to deliver these are vital to safeguarding our basic rights.
“These are not the first incidents of violence towards immigration lawyers and people seeking asylum in recent years. Decades of anti-migrant rhetoric have created an environment in which racist vitriol, fake news, bigotry and violence all thrive. Serious reflection is now urgently required from political leaders and commentators regarding the language they use and the policies they promote.
“We need a fresh start, underpinned by basic human rights and a renewed determination to avoid the routine dehumanisation in so much recent public and political discourse.”
Far right thugs stop cars to check if drivers are white before letting them pass
09:13
Tara Cobham
Viral video footage has exposed violent race rioters blocking traffic in North Yorkshire to check if drivers were white or English before letting them through.
As unrest grips the nation, footage that’s been widely shared across social media shows several white men in Middlesbrough screening vehicle drivers’ ethnicity.
In one clip, men stop a a grey car at an intersection and look through the window, before another man wearing a red t-shirt beckons the driver forward.
Race Correspondent Nadine White reports:
Let Keir Starmer go on holiday – he’s done all he can to help with the riots
09:13
Tara Cobham
Being prime minister is such an intense job that “you have no time to think”, David Cameron said, when he had stopped being prime minister and said he had “too much time to think”, writes chief political commentator John Rentoul.
It is a physically demanding job, too, with the travel and the long hours, and so any sensible leader should make sure they do not burn themselves out.
Unfortunately, I fear that because Keir Starmer was unfairly mocked for saying – towards the end of the election campaign – that he tried to make time for his family on Friday evenings, he may feel that he has to appear to be working all the time.
Read more here:
Around 100 charged and more than 400 arrested after disorder with numbers set to rise
09:11
Tara Cobham
Around 100 people have already been charged in connection with the unrest, and charges continued to be brought on Tuesday night, with defendants expected in court on Wednesday.
More than 400 people have been arrested after the disorder around England and Northern Ireland, according to police sources, with the number expected to rise in the coming days.
Thousands of police brace for more violence as 39 immigration centres on far-right ‘hit list’
09:07
Tara Cobham
Thousands of police officers are braced for more violence to erupt on the UK’s streets as dozens of immigration centres across the country have been named as targets on a far-right “hit list”.
A list of as many as 39 immigration law specialists’ offices, asylum support charities and immigration services is believed to have been widely circulated on social media over recent days, identifying their addresses as targets for far-right demonstrations on Wednesday – alongside flame emojis and calls to “mask up”.
Joe Mulhall, Director of Research at the anti-fascist group HOPE not hate, said: “This is a ‘hit list’ of aspirational targets that calls for action.”
Jenrick accuses Starmer of not being clear some disorder emanated from ‘sectarian gangs’
09:06
Tara Cobham
Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick has accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of not being “as clear as he could be” that some of the disorder emanated from “sectarian gangs”.
“We mustn’t be squeamish or selective in how we call out violence,” Mr Jenrick told Times Radio.
“I think the Prime Minister has not been as clear as he could be about the fact that, whilst the majority, the overwhelming majority of the incidents that we’ve seen have emanated either from the far right or from a range of thugs and criminals who’ve chosen to take part in these events, there are nonetheless a much smaller number of sectarian gangs who have been causing disruption, violence and intimidation – for example, in Birmingham.
“And that is equally wrong. And it’s important that we have the moral clarity that is necessary in this moment, so that violence is violence and is called out as such, whoever is responsible for it.”
Mr Jenrick added that it was “wrong” that Sir Keir and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper did not comment on Home Office minister Jess Phillips appearing to “explain away or justify intimidation against a female journalist (by) sectarian gangs on the streets of her own city in Birmingham”.
Police investigate racially motivated hate crimes in Belfast
09:04
Tara Cobham
Police said they were investigating several racially-motivated hate crimes in Belfast on Tuesday evening, including an attack on a young boy by a group of youths.
A superintendent moved to reassure the community that officers remained active in the city after several violent incidents had broken out after anti-immigration protests.
Police had come under attack and businesses in the city have been targeted amid the disorder.
Grinne N. Aodha reports:
Half of people think Keir Starmer is handling far right riots badly, YouGov polls says
09:03
Tara Cobham
Half of Britons believe Sir Keir Starmer is handling the riots sweeping the UK badly, a new poll has found.
Some 49 per cent of people said they felt the prime minister is dealing with the disorder poorly, while just 31 per cent of those surveyed said he was managing it well.
The polling, conducted by YouGov on Monday, also saw 43 per cent of respondents say home secretary Yvette Cooper was handling the situation badly, with only 23 per cent saying her response has been good.
Millie Cooke reports:
Communities minister rejects claims police are treating some groups more harshly
09:00
Tara Cobham
Communities minister Jim McMahon has rejected claims that police are treating some groups more harshly than others amid days of disorder.
He told Times Radio he understands the narrative that Elon Musk and others are putting across when they talk about “two-tier” policing, in particular in relation to a counter-protest in Birmingham.
He said: “I certainly understand where the narrative comes from, because what he’s trying to do is to present a case that we treat different communities in a different way and somehow we give special treatment. That is not the case.”
He said that his understanding of the Birmingham incident was that police made a tactical decision to “withdraw and regroup” but that any potential criminal activity is expected to be followed up.
“Let’s not preempt the ultimate outcome of it, but the message needs to be clear it doesn’t matter what your background, if you take part in criminal damage, if you take part in violence, if you seek to disrupt communities and affect people’s way of life in an unlawful way, then you can expect to have dealt with by the police.”
He added: “The point is it is operational decisions – that is for the police on the ground to make those calls and to make those judgments – but I also want to be clear that people should not believe that because their arrest wasn’t taking place on the day that that somehow means that justice will not catch up with people.”
McMahon says it is up to prosecutors whether rioting classed as terrorism offences
08:59
Tara Cobham
Communities minister Jim McMahon said it is up to prosecutors whether acts of rioting can be classed as terrorism offences, but that “fair-minded” people who might consider joining protests should be aware that there are “extremists” involved.
Asked about the Director of Public Prosecutions reportedly considering charging rioters under terrorism offences, he told Sky News: “If the criminal threshold has been met and the prosecutor believes that that test has been met it is right and that the applicable law is applied.
“What we want to do is to make sure that … fair-minded people who might be inclined to go towards protest as a way of getting a message across see that there are extremists who were involved in this who want to do nothing else.
“They don’t want to protest. They don’t want to articulate a point, they don’t want to demonstrate, they want to cause violence and they want to cause disruption and they want to cause intimidation.”
Asked about how concerns over immigration factor into rioting, he said there is a “world of difference between having a legitimate concern … and those who seek to exploit an issue”.
Only ‘tiny minority’ want to cause disruption, communities minister says
08:58
Tara Cobham
A “tiny minority” of people want to cause disruption, while the majority go about their everyday business, communities minister Jim McMahon has said.
He told BBC Breakfast: “I think it’s fair to say that people are feeling very anxious at the moment when they’re seeing the scenes that are on TV, when they’ve seen the locations that are being circulated online.
“That is genuinely causing anxiety in the community. And, of course, it’s right that people are vigilant, that people share any intelligence that they’ve got, and that people look after each other.
“But the vast majority of people today will go about their everyday business like they do every single day of the week and the year in peace and security.
“And for those people who want to disrupt, who want to cause damage, who want to cause the scenes that we have seen, again, they can absolutely expect to face the full force of the law because it’s important.”
Six people charged with violent disorder following protest in Plymouth on Monday
08:56
Tara Cobham
Six people have been charged with violent disorder following a protest in Plymouth on Monday night which saw police officers injured and two members of the public taken to hospital.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the four adults and two 17-year-old boys have been charged under Section 2 of the Public Order Act 1986.
The defendants are Paul Braidwood, 44, and Daniel McGuire, 45, both of Plymouth, Lucas Ormond Skeaping, 29, of Tavistock, Michael Williams, 51, of Sparkwell, and two 17-year-old boys from Plymouth.
They are due to appear at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Sadiq Khan issues warning to those set on 'spreading hatred and fear’ in London
08:48
Tara Cobham
Sadiq Khan has issued a warning “to anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear” in London.
The mayor of London vowed perpetrators “will face the full force of the law” in a statement issued amid reports far-right groups are planning to target locations in the capital and across the rest of the country.
Describing the “disorder, racism, violence” seen on the streets of the UK in recent days as “truly shocking”, he said: “Acts of violence and disorder on the streets of London will not be tolerated.”
In the post on X, Mr Khan also urged people to “check on their friends and neighbours” in the wake of the riots.
He added that he is in “constant touch” with the Metropolitan Police, as both his office and the force work closely with community leaders and local organisations to protect targeted buildings.
He said: “In London, we have zero-tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hate and we pride ourselves on being open, diverse and welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds.”
My update on reports that far-right groups are now planning to target locations in London: pic.twitter.com/FoJ24GEv8n
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) August 7, 2024
Immigration services batten down hatches amid fears they are next targets of far-right violence
08:34
Tara Cobham
Immigration advice centres and lawyers’ offices are battening down the hatches amid fears far-right rioters will target 39 locations across the country in a fresh round of action.
Sir Keir Starmer’s “standing army” of almost 6,000 specialist riot officers is braced for further unrest after a list shared online singled out immigration lawyers, charities and support services for mass action on Wednesday evening.
One immigration advice centre is boarding up its windows amid fears of clashes as the Law Society, representing solicitors in England and Wales, said it has “serious concerns” about the safety of its members.
Read the full report here:
Tommy Robinson merchandise sold on Amazon as far-right riots erupt across UK
08:34
Tara Cobham
With violence unfolding across the UK amid a series of far-right riots, Amazon has come under fire for allowing Tommy Robinson clothing to be sold on its platform.
While political leaders call for calm, The Independent has found a series of items in support of the far-right leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, which are available for less than £20.
T-shirts saying “#FreeTommy” along with an image of Robinson’s face with the words “Free Speech” across his mouth are being sold for £17.99, in a variety of colours and for both men and women. Scoop neck, V-neck and baseball tee versions of the tops are all available.
Maira Butt reports:
Sir Thomas Winsor says two-tier policing ‘doesn’t exist'
08:33
Tara Cobham
Sir Thomas Winsor has said two-tier policing “doesn’t exist”.
When asked on LBC with Nick Ferrari whether he saw evidence of two-tier policing during his time as chief inspector for constabulary, Sir Thomas replied: “No.”
He continued: “It doesn’t exist – policing is even handed.
“If people are committing offences, and individual cases have to be deal with on their individual merits, then they’ll be stopped and they may be charged and prosecuted.”
Musk should ‘stick to batteries, cars and rockets’, says former chief of constabulary
08:32
Tara Cobham
Sir Thomas Winsor, former chief of constabulary, said Elon Musk should “stick to batteries, cars and rockets” and called for implementation of a licensing system for social media companies operating in the UK.
Speaking on LBC with Nick Ferrari, Sir Thomas said: “Mr Musk, it seems to me should stick to batteries, cars and rockets because he’s very good at it and leave to the UK authorities the job of dealing with the protection of the safety and security of our communities.”
When asked by Ferrari how he would “actually get your hands on an Elon Musk, or even, if he’s San Francisco, a Nick Clegg”, Sir Thomas said: “I’m not talking about individuals but if there are executives of large companies and those companies have or are thought to be committing offences – the regulatory system which I contemplated and spoke about five years ago was creating a licensing system in the UK.
“In other words, you need a licence from the government regulatory authority to operate public infrastructure like you do with energy, telecommunications, water and transport – they’re no different.
“And the conditions of those licences and if you break them, you can lose your licence, so you’re out of business.
“The conditions of the licence could say that the senior executives of the company must spend at least two weeks a year in the UK, and when they come to the UK, they can be lifted.”
Ex-chief inspector of constabulary calls for ‘criminal liability’ for social media company chiefs
08:31
Tara Cobham
Sir Thomas Winsor, who previously served as Her Majesty’s chief inspector of constabulary, said there should be “criminal liability” for senior managers at social media companies that tolerate “harmful material” and the incitement of crimes on their websites.
When asked how the online sector should be policed by Nick Ferrari on LBC, Sir Thomas replied: “It should be policed according to the law and vigorously.
“I think the Online Safety Act is a big step forward but it doesn’t go far enough.
“In my State of Police Report which I gave to Parliament in 2018, I made the point that some social media companies, internet companies, now own and operate what, to many people, have become significant pieces of public infrastructure and therefore their stewardship of that infrastructure is not purely a matter of commercial freedom.
“And I said that merely fining some of the world’s richest companies for tolerating the presence of harmful material on their websites, and incitement to commit a crime is itself a crime, is not enough.
“I said there should be criminal liability for senior managers and that should be at the heart of a system of regulation.”
Tory councillor’s wife who called for mass deportations and hotel fires arrested
08:29
Tara Cobham
The wife of a Tory councillor has been arrested for hate crimes after she called for hotels with asylum seekers in them to be set ablaze.
Lucy Connolly, 41, took to X (formerly Twitter) writing: “Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the b******* for all I care... If that makes me racist, so be it.”
She has since deleted the tweet and apologised, claiming she had acted on “false and malicious” information. But a number of people made complaints to the police about her allegedly inciting violence.
Political editor David Maddox reports:
Dispersal orders issued to 37 people in Durham as boy, 15, arrested
07:31
Tara Cobham
Durham Constabulary said officers had issued dispersal orders to 37 people, aged between 13 and 38, who arrived in Durham city centre on Tuesday evening.
A 15-year-old boy, from Crook, was arrested for a public order offence.
The force said that, following intelligence of planned disorder this evening, a dispersal order was put in place for the city centre alongside a heightened police presence.
The dispersal order will remain in place until noon on Wednesday.
Police said they had received no reports of incidents of disorder or criminal damage in the city centre this evening.
Two more people charged after disorder in Southport and Liverpool
07:29
Tara Cobham
Two more people have been charged after disorder in Southport and Liverpool city centre.
Merseyside Police charged Philip Prescot, 38, of Sefton Street, Southport, with violent disorder in connection with trouble in Southport last Tuesday.
David Frank Hill, 38, of Bianca Street, Bootle, has been charged with violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.
Both were remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court at 9.45am on Wednesday.
Inquests to begin into deaths of three girls stabbed to death in Southport
07:26
Tara Cobham
Inquests are to be opened into the deaths of three girls who were fatally stabbed in Southport.
Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died after a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class at the Hart Space on Monday July 29.
Their inquests will be formally opened at Bootle Town Hall in Merseyside.
Hundreds of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the attack in Hart Street and a number of vigils have taken place in the town to remember the girls.
During a service at St Patrick’s Church in Southport on Tuesday afternoon, one speaker fought back tears as she said: “Alice, you are the most beautiful, strongest girl in the world and I hope you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts. Keep smiling and dancing with the girls.”
She read out another message from the family, which said: “We love you Alice, Your smile is extremely contagious and full of joy. You never fail to uplift everyone’s mood.”
The service, led by Father John Heneghan, featured hymns and speeches read in both English and Portuguese.
One of Alice’s classmates said: “You will be in our hearts forever. You are the most kindest person in the world, and we know that you are the strongest girl we have ever met.” A member of staff from Alice’s school read out messages from her classmates, including one which said: “Alice, so kind and caring, with a smile so bright, forever in our hearts.”
The congregation gathered for a rendition of You Are My Sunshine outside the church following the ceremony.
Elsie’s great-aunt described her as “lovely, sweet and gentle”, BBC News reported. Jean Stevenson said her grand-niece was “absolutely the sweetest child you could ever wish to meet”.
Poll shows Brits blame Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage for riots more than Labour
07:00
Barney Davis
More than half of Britons think the Tory governments of the past 14 years bear some responsibility for the riots.
Polling by YouGov suggests 24% of people think the 2010-2024 administrations hold a “great deal of responsibility” for the unrest, and 31% reckon they hold “a fair amount”.
Convicted rioters face 10 years in prison - minister
05:00
Barney Davis
Justice Minister Heidi Alexander warned thugs there was a ‘prison place waiting for them’.
Ms Alexander told the Mirror: “We will make sure that anyone who is given a custodial sentence as a result of the riots and disorder, there will be a prison place waiting for them.”
Judges will decide the severity of the sentences, she said, adding: “Anyone watching our television screens and seeing the images that you and I have seen of this violent disorder, the racist attacks, the dangerous extremism, will realise that in all likelihood there are some very serious offences that have been committed.”
Pressed on how long sentences could be, she said: “Ten years, seven years, five years for some of the offences that I’ve just spoken about.”
Far-right warned against targeting grandmother’s home after it was mistaken for immigration business
03:30
Barney Davis
Far-right thugs are planning to target the home of a vulnerable elderly woman after mistaking her house for an immigration lawyer’s office.
The 88-year-old’s family have begged potential rioters to stay away from their “Nana” in West Bridgford, Nottingham, after her address was discovered on a list of 60 immigration centres with a message suggesting they should be the target of demonstrations on Wednesday.
Thousands of police braced for day of riots as Elon Musk fans flames with tirade against Starmer
02:13
Barney Davis
Billionaire social media platform owner Elon Musk has launched a tirade against Sir Keir Starmer amid fears that Britain is on the cusp of descending further into civil unrest.
It came as a standing army of 6,000 police officers was preparing for a new wave of violence at 39 demonstrations planned around the UK.
Paramilitary ‘element’ suspected in Belfast rioting following Southport stabbings
01:00
Barney Davis
A Northern Ireland police chief said an “element” of paramilitary involvement was behind recent disorder in Belfast, as violent anti-immigration protests sparked by stabbings in Southport continue.
Police came under sustained attack and the victim of a suspected hate crime is in a serious condition in hospital following the disorder in Belfast on Monday night.
Two more people have been charged after disorder in Southport and Liverpool city centre.
Wednesday 7 August 2024 00:30
Barney Davis
Merseyside Police charged Philip Prescot, 38, of Sefton Street, Southport, with violent disorder in connection with trouble in Southport last Tuesday.
David Frank Hill, 38, of Bianca Street, Bootle, has been charged with violent disorder in Liverpool city centre on Saturday.
Both were remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court at 9.45am on Wednesday.
Man jailed following a protest in Bolton
Wednesday 7 August 2024 00:01
Barney Davis
James Nelson of Victoria Road, Horwich, Bolton pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage during the disorder in Bolton.
He was sentenced to two months imprisonment at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday 6 August 2024).
Another man received a community order for his role in the protest.
Liam Powell (22/09/1995) of Hendon Court, Buckshaw Village, in Chorley, was given a 12-month community order which will be in place until August 2025.
Powell pleaded guilty to being in possession of cocaine during the disorder on Sunday in Bolton.
Merseyside Police step up patrols amid disorder
Tuesday 6 August 2024 23:45
Barney Davis
Merseyside Police said a Section 34 dispersal order has been introduced in south Liverpool until 7pm on Thursday to combat potential disorder.
The order, introduced at 7pm on Tuesday under the Anti-Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, gives police officers and community support traffic officers powers to direct people who are engaging in anti-social behaviour or are likely to become involved in such incidents.
Under the legislation, officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti-social behaviour and, should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed for which they may ultimately be arrested.
Inspector Leigh Price said: “We have introduced this order to prevent potential disorder following similar incidents in Merseyside and other parts of the country this week.
“Patrols have been increased in the area to deal with any issues, and this dispersal zone gives officers on the ground extra powers to approach people they believe could be there to commit anti-social behaviour or disorder.
“This order is aimed at ensuring residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I ask that people continue reporting any concerns and we will take action.”
Durham police shut down city centre to prevent disorder
Tuesday 6 August 2024 23:30
Barney Davis
Durham Constabulary said officers had issued dispersal orders to 37 people, aged between 13 and 38, who arrived in Durham city centre on Tuesday evening.
A 15-year-old boy, from Crook, was arrested for a public order offence.
The force said that, following intelligence of planned disorder this evening, a dispersal order was put in place for the city centre alongside a heightened police presence.
The dispersal order will remain in place until noon on Wednesday.
Police said they had received no reports of incidents of disorder or criminal damage in the city centre this evening.
Lord Chancellor vows rioters will face ‘full force of the law’
Tuesday 6 August 2024 23:00
Tara Cobham
The Lord Chancellor has warned people who “incite mobs” will “feel the full force of the law”, amid concerns over the safety of legal professionals.
It comes as a number of events were planned outside immigration advice centres and solicitors’ offices across the country on Wednesday.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Every day, across the country, solicitors uphold the rule of law.
“Inciting mobs to attack their offices, or threatening them in any way, is unacceptable.
“Those found doing so will face the full force of the law.
“They will join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by police within the last week.”
Politicians defend hundreds turning out in Bolton to ‘defend communities'
Tuesday 6 August 2024 22:15
Barney Davis
On Sunday about 300 people joined a counter-protest against far-right activists amid clashes with police.
Shakeel Afsar, who stood as an independent candidate in Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley in last month’s general election, said “reasonable force” may be needed to defend communities.
“We are not the agitators, aggressors or attackers,” he said in a video posted on X. “We will stand there and defend our businesses and our homes. And if attacked, we will use reasonable and necessary force to defend ourselves … It’s about defending the rights of our community and the honour of our people.”
Baber Baz, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Birmingham, who was at the gathering in Bordesley on Monday, said it was largely peaceful after a day of threats of an imminent attack.
“Hour by hour the tension was increasing. We’ve seen what’s happened in other cities. We won’t allow it to happen in Birmingham.
“The EDL messages were out there. If they turn up and become violent, you’re within your rights to defend yourself.”
Stand Up To Racism open letter unites against the right
Tuesday 6 August 2024 21:58
Barney Davis
Paloma Faith, Diane Abbott, The Specials and Kate Nash were among a cavalcade of celebrities and politicians to sign the latest Stand Up To Racism open letter against the far-right.
Stand Up To Racism successfully called on its supporters to turn out en masse over the weekend against the far-right thugs, who were outnumbered all over the country.
Their letter says: “Across Europe we see the rise of far right and fascist forces, from Marine Le Pen in France to the AfD in Germany. The far right are a threat to all decent people. The trial of Finsbury Park terrorist Darren Osborne, who murdered Makram Ali, heard that he was radicalised by reading material by Tommy Robinson.
“When Robinson was leader of the English Defence League, it attacked Muslims, trade unions and strikes. All those who oppose this must join in a united mass movement powerful enough to drive back the fascists. The majority of people in Britain abhor Robinson and the far right. We are the majority, they are the few. Britain has a proud history of defeating fascists and racists. We can defeat them again. We must Stand Up to Racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must unite and mobilise against the far right and fascism.”
UNITY STATEMENT: we’re uniting and mobilising to launch a campaign against the far right. New statement in @DailyMirror by Stand Up to Racism signed by @Palomafaith, @HackneyAbbott, @biminibabes, @jeremycorbyn, @katenash plus over 100 other politicians, music artists,… pic.twitter.com/GotbkHI6vd
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) August 6, 2024
Man armed with chainsaw chases Muslim couple in Manchester
Tuesday 6 August 2024 21:45
Barney Davis
A man chases a Muslim couple out of a petrol station with a portable hedge trimmer.
A white man appears to leave a petrol station before sprinting at them with a chainsaw. They reportedly escaped without physical harm by driving away yesterday.
The couple filmed the attack and shared it online with activists calling on the government to take strict action.
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.
FAR-RIGHT THUG CHASING MUSLIM COUPLE WITH A CHAINSAW!
— DOAM (@doamuslims) August 6, 2024
Footage shows a far-right thug chasing a Muslim couple with a chainsaw in #Manchester. #Islamophobia pic.twitter.com/UMMNwRt0FS
Farage clashes with LBC presenter over Southport attacks
Tuesday 6 August 2024 21:20
Barney Davis
Nigel Farage had a lively debate with LBC presenter Tom Swarbrick earlier today over the Southport riots.
Accused of jumping to conclusions that the suspect was a migrant, the Reform UK leader said: “They did not tell people before those riots sparked, who he was and where they came from. If they had done that this would have been far less serious,”
Nigel Farage, "We have to address issues like uncontrolled mass immigration, division of our communities"
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) August 6, 2024
Tom Swarbrick, "I don't know what any of that has got to do with Southport"
NF, "I'm looking for a long term solution"
TS, "I don't know what any of that has got to do… pic.twitter.com/9Ml3Me6aEt
Sir Keir bats away Elon Musk’s comments on X
Tuesday 6 August 2024 21:01
Barney Davis
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn into comments made by X owner Elon Musk about the ongoing disorder in the UK.
When asked by reporters if he was worried about Mr Musk’s impact on the unrest, or if the man who bought social media platform Twitter had a point with some of his opinions, Sir Keir said: “My focus is on ensuring that our communities are safe. That is my sole focus and I think it’s very important for us all to support the police in what they’re doing.
“I went up to Southport to speak to some of the police who had been the first responders to the terrible attack that happened. They described the scene to me and what they had to deal with when those girls were attacked.
“Those same officers were then attacked on their own streets later the same day – the same officers who had been the first responders.
“Our first duty is to support the police in a difficult exercise that they are engaged in, keeping us safe… the police are doing a difficult job in difficult circumstances and I think that everybody should be giving their full support to ensure that we can make sure that our streets are safe and our communities feel safe and secure.”
‘We will find you and we will arrest you’ Police warn rioters in Birmingham
Tuesday 6 August 2024 21:00
Barney Davis
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “We are now investigating five separate incidents and have this afternoon (6 August) arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of possession of offensive weapon.
“We’ve launched an investigation into a violent disorder that happened at around 8.30pm on Stoney Lane.
“A man was assaulted and shortly after a pub window was smashed. After speaking to the licencee, the group were apologetic about a small number of the group who caused the damage and we’re told they offered to pay for the repair. We will be making further enquiries to find the suspects.
“Following the assault a man in his 50s was treated for injuries which thankfully are believed not to be serious.
“It’s understood this involved a separate group involved in damaging the window. We are also working hard to find anyone that has been involved in this; and my message to you is that we will find you and we will arrest you.
“We will not tolerate violence of this nature and we understand that a video has been circulating.”
Superintendent Emlyn Richards from Birmingham Police, said: “I appreciate these are incredibly worrying times for communities. This is a time for communities to unite and support each other and we are working together to make sure communities are fully supported and our response is coordinated, proportionate and responsive.
“We are really proud of the strong links we have with communities across Birmingham, and as always, we have officers ready to police and protect the Wes
