On 4th August (local time) Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, issued a statement condemning the violence that happened across the country creating chaos. He said, “I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend,” blaming the protesting groups and individuals against immigrants for the violence. He made it clear that those involved in the violence would face the full force of the law. However, there have been reports that the government’s action is going to be selective.
🚨 BREAKING: Prime Minister Keir Starmer's full address to the nation about the riots on Britain's streets pic.twitter.com/kluETspjXT
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 4, 2024
Keir Starmer added that those who participated in the violence would face severe consequences. He said, “Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder.”
Adding that those fanning protester sentiments online would also face the law. Keir Starmer said, “Whether directly or those whipping up this action online, and then running away themselves. This is not a protest. It is organized, violent thuggery. And it has no place on our street or online.” Detailing the current situation of the attacks on a hotel in Rotherham where immigrants were housed, he said, “Right now, attacks are happening on a hotel in Rotherham. Marauding gangs are intent on law breaking. Or worse. Windows smashed. Fires set ablaze. Residents and staff in absolute fear.”
He added, “There is no justification – none – for taking this action. And all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence. People in this country have a right to be safe.” Keir Starmer further highlighted that Muslims were being targeted along with other minority communities and said, “We’ve seen Muslim communities targeted. Attacks on Mosques. Other minority communities were singled out. Nazi salutes in the street. Attacks on the police. Wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.” He added, “So, no, I won’t shy away from calling this what it is: Far-right thuggery. 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 does not represent our country. And we will bring them to justice.”
Videos of Islamist mobs shouting Allah-hu-Akbar goes viral
Several videos of Islamist mobs shouting Allah-hu-Akbar went viral om social media. X user “Concerned Citizen” wrote, “Huge mob descend on Bolton City Centre – looks like they are baying for blood. If you’re in & around a city centre right now it’s advisable not to be. Seriously.”
Huge mob descend on Bolton City Centre – looks like they are baying for blood.
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) August 4, 2024
If you’re in & around a city centre right now it’s advisable not to be. Seriously. pic.twitter.com/g90eNbTUsK
Amy Mek wrote, “Jihadi Gangs Rampage Through UK Towns, Attacking Citizens!”
Jihadi Gangs Rampage Through UK Towns, Attacking Citizens!
— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) August 3, 2024
Hordes of violent armed Muslims are rampaging through numerous UK towns, attacking non-Muslim peaceful protesters who are demonstrating against the brutal slaughter of three young children at a Taylor Swift dance… pic.twitter.com/DsZSb29ch0
X user J Stewart wrote, “A mob of young Muslim men attack a lone protester in Middlesbrough, kicking and punching him repeatedly. Someone is going to get killed if this carries on. Keir Starmer has put a target on every protesters back by labelling them “far right”.”
A mob of young Muslim men attack a lone protester in Middlesbrough, kicking and punching him repeatedly.
— J Stewart (@triffic_stuff_) August 4, 2024
Someone is going to get killed if this carries on.
Keir Starmer has put a target on every protesters back by labelling them “far right”. pic.twitter.com/eURL45y5bD
‘Security only for mosques, not for other places of worship’
Notably, Visegrad 24 reported that the UK Government has confirmed that Jewish synagogues and Christian churches would not receive any emergency security support during the riots. On the other hand, the Home Secretary of Britain announced emergency security for all the mosques in the UK.
The UK’s Labour Government confirms that Jewish synagogues and Christian churches will not receive any emergency security support during the riots.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 4, 2024
However, the British Home Secretary has announced that emergency security will be provided for all mosques in the UK.
🇬🇧
Violence erupted in UK following stabbing of three young girls
On 29th July, three young girls ages 6, 7 and 9 were killed in a stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class in northwestern England. Two of the girls lost their lives on the day of the incident while the third girl died the next day. Eight children and two adults were hospitalised after the attack. A 17-year-old suspect was arrested by the police for murder and attempted murder. Witnesses described the scene as “from a horror movie” as blood-soacked children ran from the attack to save themselves.
On 3rd August, anti-immigrant protests erupted across the United Kingdom after the stabbing incident at a dance class where three little girls were killed and several others were injured. Dozens of protests have been taking place across the country and law enforcement agencies are facing difficulties in controlling the protesters. Initially, far-right groups protested against the immigrants which led to protests by left-leaning groups to take on the roads.
The protests erupted following misleading information about the identity of the under 18 suspect of stabbing incident. It was said that he was Muslim immigrant but it was later revealed on a judge’s order that the suspect was 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, a resident of Wales to Rwandan parents to stop the spread of misinformation.
Notably, online campaigns to gather support for the anti-immigrants protests have also raised alarms among law enforcement agencies. Phrases including “Enough are enough”, “save our kids” and “Stop the boats” have been identified by police officials as part of the campaigns.
One-sided action by the UK Government
Even though violence happened from both sides of the protesters, the UK government has decided to provide protection only to Muslims and establishments like Mosques that are directly linked to the Muslims living in the UK. The rhetoric being set by the UK government is that if someone is against immigrants, he or she will be labelled far-right immediately. Police action and the wrath of the law will follow. On the other hand, if someone is anti-Israel or pro-Shariat, no one is going to label him or her far-left. The rhetoric is no different from what we see in general India. Anyone supporting the idea of Hindu Rashtra gets labelled as a “Hindu extremist” immediately but the media, left-liberals and their ilks find ways to “humanise” even the most dangerous terrorists.
