British police are preparing for further violent racist attacks against Muslims and immigration centres on Wednesday evening. The government has pledged swift action to punish anyone stoking disorder.
The violence began early last week after three young girls were killed in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England. False messaging online wrongly identified the suspected killer as an Islamist migrant, triggering a wave of unrest.
Reports indicate that far-right groups are targeting specialist immigration law firms and migrant support centres. This has forced many to close, and some family doctors in affected areas have decided to shut early to protect staff. Anti-racism and anti-fascist groups have responded by organizing counter-protests across the country.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing his first crisis since winning the July 4 election, has warned rioters they will face lengthy jail terms. This marks the worst outbreak of violence in Britain in 13 years. In the first sentences handed down since the riots began, a 58-year-old man was jailed for three years for violent disorder, while two others, aged 41 and 29, received sentences of 20 and 30 months respectively.
“This is the swift action we’re taking. If you provoke violent disorder on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law,” Starmer said.
The riots erupted when groups of a few hundred mostly men clashed with police and smashed windows of hotels housing asylum-seekers from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They chanted “get them out” and “stop the boats,” referring to those arriving in Britain in small dinghies without permission. They have also pelted mosques with rocks, prompting Muslim organizations to issue community safety advice.
“The shocking scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities scared and fearful,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said.
