Far-right riots: Keir Starmer announces new violent disorder unit

The leader of the Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has announced plans to create a new government initiative to address violent disturbances and unruly rioters. He also called on social media companies to take action against false information.

Addressing the chaos that erupted after the stabbing incident in Southport, the prime minister announced a plan to coordinate information and efforts among various police forces nationwide. This initiative will focus on addressing the immediate threat of far-right extremism as well as any violent disturbances that arise, regardless of the underlying reasons.

Starmer was very angry during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. He criticized a small group of troublemakers who went to a community that was mourning a terrible tragedy. These troublemakers threw bricks at police officers who had recently dealt with an attack on children in the same community.

He explained that the new plan was created to demonstrate that Britain will not let fear turn into division and hatred in our communities. They will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order on the streets. He emphasized that it is not acceptable for people to commit crimes or engage in violent behavior, as it goes against the rule of law and justice.

The new "national capability" is being created to enhance intelligence collection and sharing related to "extremist troublemakers" following the unexpected levels of disorder seen in Southport on Tuesday. Additional unrest occurred in London, Manchester, Hartlepool, and Aldershot on Wednesday evening.

Starmer explained that the new plan will focus on identifying troublemakers from various political beliefs and improving the exchange of information regarding community tension. It will also involve coordinating mutual aid efforts, such as quickly moving riot-trained officers from one location to another.

The leader of the country expressed the importance of finding a middle ground when it comes to social media companies' attempts to combat fake news online. He emphasized the need to determine if there should be repercussions for these platforms if they do not take appropriate action.

I want to address big companies that control social media platforms: when there is violent chaos being incited online and it spills over into real life, that is illegal and it is happening on your platforms. The law must be enforced everywhere.

The most important responsibility of the government is to provide safety and security for its citizens. We are committed to taking whatever steps are needed to ensure the streets are safe.

Starmer emphasized that those participating in the rioting or spreading of misinformation do not have the authority to represent the grieving families. He also stated that it is important for us to demonstrate our true values in response to the actions of the far right.

When questioned about what he wants to tell Muslims who may be worried about recent attacks on mosques, he responded by saying: "I want to make it clear to the Muslim community that I will do everything possible to ensure your safety."

He spoke to the media after having a meeting with important police leaders, such as Dame Lynne Owens from the Metropolitan police, Serena Kennedy from Merseyside police, BJ Harrington from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and Stephen Parkinson from the public prosecutions department.

Starmer expressed gratitude towards police officers who faced intimidation and violence. He acknowledged that they were affected by what they witnessed and had to deal with. The officers told him that they were just doing their job, but he recognized that what they had to go through was extremely difficult.

The goal is to boost the presence of trained public order officers in troubled areas to improve the chances of making arrests during violent incidents.

The newly appointed officers will work alongside the national police operations center, which is a division of the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Downing Street created the plans, and a source mentioned that police leaders meeting with Starmer at Number 10 on Thursday largely agreed.

The funding and all the specific details still need to be worked out. They are thinking about using live facial recognition more in areas where there might be disorder or unrest.