British police are gearing up for more anti-Muslim riots today, Wednesday, after far-right groups pledged to target asylum centers and immigration law offices across the country. This has prompted anti-fascist protesters to plan counter-demonstrations. Britain is experiencing a surge of violence that erupted last week after the murder of three young girls in a stabbing attack in the Northwest, followed by the spread of false online messages describing the suspect as an extremist Muslim migrant.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned rioters that they would face long prison sentences in an effort to eradicate the worst wave of violence in Britain in 13 years. Starmer, who previously served as Attorney General, is now facing his first crisis since winning the elections on July 4. He told the media, “Our first duty is to ensure the safety of our communities.” He added, “They will be safe. We are doing everything we can to ensure police response where needed and to provide support in areas that need it.”
Cities and towns have witnessed clashes between hundreds of rioters and police, during which they smashed windows of hotels housing asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East, chanting slogans like "Get them out" and "Stop the boats," referring to those arriving in the UK in small boats. They also threw stones at mosques, causing fear among residents, especially those belonging to ethnic and religious minorities who feel targeted by the violence.
Online messages indicated that immigration centers and law offices assisting migrants would face attacks today. One message stated, “Wednesday evening, folks. They will not stop coming until we tell them to.” In response, anti-racism and anti-fascism groups organized counter-protests across the country. A post commented on a planned protest by a far-right group in Brighton, a coastal city in southern England: “A racist scum is trying to target a law office specializing in immigration, but we will not allow that. Wear face coverings and masks.”
The government has formed what it calls a "permanent army," a unit comprising 6,000 specialized police officers to counter any violence, stating that they will be deployed adequately to deal with any disturbances. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is responsible for policing operations in London, stated, “The country is facing one of the worst waves of violent unrest in the past decade.” He added, “We will not tolerate these actions on our streets. We will use all available powers, measures, and methods to prevent further scenes of chaos.”
Starmer vowed to hold accountable those involved in the riots, shop looting, and car burnings. He mentioned that over 400 people have been arrested, with charges formally brought against a hundred of them. He added that sentencing is expected to begin soon.
