U.K. Braces for More Violence Amid Far-Right Threats
LONDON — Amidst concerns about potential violence from far-right groups, British police are preparing for another night of unrest. These groups are planning to target up to 30 locations across the United Kingdom on Wednesday, following a week of rioting and disorder.
Authorities are mobilizing approximately 6,000 specially trained officers to respond to potential disturbances across the U.K. London’s Metropolitan Police Service has pledged to do “everything in our power” to safeguard the capital.
“We are aware of the events planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital,” stated Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine of the Met on Tuesday evening. “They have clearly indicated their intention to cause disruption and division … This behavior will not be tolerated on our streets.”
The past week has seen widespread violence in U.K. cities and towns, as angry mobs, fueled by far-right extremists, have clashed with police and counter-demonstrators. These clashes were triggered by the spread of misinformation concerning the identity of the suspect in a stabbing rampage that tragically claimed the lives of three young girls in the coastal community of Southport. The suspect was falsely labeled as an immigrant and a Muslim.
Rioters chanting anti-immigrant slogans have targeted mosques and hotels providing accommodation for asylum-seekers, with reports surfacing of violent counterattacks in certain communities.
Internet chat groups have circulated a list of law firms specializing in immigration and advice agencies as potential targets for gatherings on Wednesday. The messages encourage participants to “mask up” if attending.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened a second consecutive meeting of the government’s COBRA emergency response committee on Tuesday to coordinate the response to the crisis, which he has described as “far-right thuggery.”
Police have already apprehended over 400 individuals nationwide, and the government has vowed to prosecute and incarcerate those responsible for the disorder.
The government has also introduced new measures to safeguard mosques.
In a post on X, London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan asserted that the police, city hall, and community leaders are collaborating to protect targeted buildings and places of worship. He emphasized that those involved in the disorder will face the full force of the law.
“I am aware that the distressing scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities feeling frightened and apprehensive. Therefore, I urge my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbors and demonstrate that care and compassion are the essence of Londoners,” he stated. “In London, we have zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, or any form of hate.”