British police issued a statement announcing they are dealing with a state of chaos in Middlesbrough, northern England, following a protest that began around 2 PM local time. The police added, "A number of arrests have been made. The public is advised to avoid the area." The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) reported that 147 individuals have been arrested across the country since Saturday night amidst ongoing unrest, and this number is expected to rise significantly.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the provision of emergency security services for mosques, schools, and Islamic facilities throughout Britain in light of the increasing violence against Muslims, migrants, and minorities in the country. In an official statement, Cooper indicated that the new rapid response initiative will help provide additional security personnel for mosques at risk of violent unrest, supporting local police efforts to protect places of worship and reassure residents.
Under the newly implemented initiative, police, local authorities, and mosques can request rapid security deployment to protect communities, enabling them to return to places of worship as quickly as possible. Cooper explained that this decision complements the existing security plan for mosques, which has allocated approximately £29.4 million for implementation this year under the funding for security in mosques and Islamic schools.
Cooper stated, "Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and no one should make any excuses for the disgraceful actions of rioters, thugs, and extremist groups who have attacked police officers, looted local shops, or assaulted people based on the color of their skin." She continued, "In light of the threats and despicable attacks faced by local mosques in many communities, the government is providing additional rapid support through the mosque security scheme, alongside support from local police forces. We reiterate that anyone involved in this chaos and violence will face the full force of the law."
Cooper emphasized that the British nation will not tolerate criminal behavior, severe extremism, or racist attacks that contradict everything the country represents. There are rising fears of civil war in Britain following the worst wave of riots in 13 years, fueled by local anger over the influx of migrants, especially after the murder of three girls by stabbing and the government's lack of restrictions on their entry.
In this context, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the bullying, vandalism, and violence committed by individuals affiliated with the far-right this week in various areas across the UK against Islamic communities and migrants in general. Starmer stated in a televised announcement: "There is no doubt that those who participated in this violence will face the full force of the law," reaffirming that "the police will arrest individuals, who will be held in custody, followed by charges and convictions."
He continued: "Currently, there are attacks on a hotel housing refugees in Rotherham by rogue gangs determined to violate the law or worse... Windows have been smashed and fires set, and residents and staff are living in fear." Starmer asserted that "there is no justification for what is happening, and all reasonable people must condemn this kind of violence, as people in this country have the right to feel safe. However, we have seen the targeting of Islamic communities, attacks on mosques, and assaults on other minority communities."
Starmer added that there have been "Nazi salutes in the streets, attacks on police, deliberate violence, and racist rhetoric... Therefore, I will not hesitate to call this what it is: far-right bullying."
The situation in Britain is escalating, with protesters and rioters setting fire to the "Holiday Inn Express" hotel in Staffordshire, England. The building houses asylum seekers, marking the second hotel set ablaze in the presence of police and riot control units. There have also been significant reports of looting across various regions of the country.
Starmer addressed minorities by saying: "To those who feel targeted because of their skin color or beliefs, I know the fear this brings, but I want you to know that these violent individuals do not represent our country, and we will bring them to justice." He warned rioters: "I guarantee you will regret participating in this chaos, whether directly or through those who incite it online and then flee themselves."
The British Prime Minister stressed that "what is happening is not protest but organized and violent bullying, which has no place in our streets or online."
