Sir Keir Starmer has told the police they have ministers’ full backing to take “all necessary action to keep our streets safe” from “thugs” who “sow hate” as violent protests erupted across the UK following the stabbing of three girls in Southport.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister had met senior ministers including the deputy prime minister, home secretary, justice secretary and the policing minister to discuss the incidents of public disorder and unrest seen in towns and cities in recent days.
After thanking police who responded to the violence in Sunderland on Friday night, which saw four officers injured, Sir Keir said officers “have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking police officers, disrupting local businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities”.
“The right to freedom of expression and the violent disorder we have seen are two very different things,” he said.
“There is no excuse for violence of any kind and reiterated that the government backs the police to take all necessary action to keep our streets safe.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Far-right protesters push police in Nottingham
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said those engaging in violent disorder “will pay the price”, telling broadcasters “criminal violence and disorder has no place on Britain’s streets”.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Blackpool: ‘Nazi scum’ chants
Ms Cooper said: “We’ve been clear to the police that they have our full backing in taking the strongest possible action against perpetrators, including making sure that there are more prosecutors, there are sufficient prison places and also that the courts stand ready because anyone who engages in this kind of disorder needs to be clear that they will pay the price.”
She promised to work with forces to help ensure “consequences, arrests and prosecutions” for those responsible.
