The United Kingdom is currently experiencing its worst riots in 13 years, with far-right protesters clashing violently with police and looting shops across multiple cities.
The unrest, which began after a mass stabbing incident in Southport, has spread to towns and cities including Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull, and Belfast.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was elected just a month ago, has issued a stern warning to the rioters, stating, "I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder."
He emphasized that there is "no justification" for the violence, which he described as "far-right thuggery," and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The violence erupted following misinformation about the background of the suspect involved in the Southport stabbing, leading to xenophobic and anti-immigration sentiments being amplified by far-right groups.
These groups have been mobilizing support online using phrases like "enough is enough" and "stop the boats," tapping into fears about immigration.
In Rotherham, far-right demonstrators vandalized a hotel housing asylum seekers, throwing bricks at police and setting bins on fire.
Footage from Sky News showed police officers with shields facing a barrage of missiles as they tried to prevent the rioters from entering the hotel. The violence has also led to attacks on mosques and assaults on Muslims and ethnic minorities.
Starmer's response has been unequivocal. In a TV address, he stated, "To those who feel targeted because of the colour of your skin or your faith, I know how frightening this must be. I want you to know this violent mob do not represent this country and we will bring them to justice."
The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of prominent far-right figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, and Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK.
While Farage condemned the violence, he criticized the government for blaming it on "a few far-right thugs," suggesting that the far right is reacting to widespread fears shared by many people.
The Police Federation of England and Wales has noted that the current unrest is reminiscent of the widespread rioting in 2011, following the police killing of a mixed-race man in north London. Tiffany Lynch of the federation remarked, "We're now seeing it flooding across major cities and towns."
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