British police are bracing for another night of violence as there are concerns that far-right groups are planning to attack around 30 locations across the UK on Wednesday, following a week of rioting and disorder.
Authorities are mobilising around 6,000 specially trained officers to respond to disorder across the UK. London’s Metropolitan Police Service has said it will do “everything in its power” to protect the capital.
“We are aware of events being planned by hateful and divisive groups across the capital,” Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said on Tuesday night. “They have made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear… We will not tolerate this on our streets.”
British cities and towns have been rocked by violence in the past week, as angry crowds, egged on by far-right extremists, clashed with police and counter-protesters, sparked by the spread of misinformation about the identity of the suspect in a stabbing attack that left three young girls dead in the seaside town of Southport. The suspect was wrongly identified as an immigrant and a Muslim.
Rioters chanting anti-immigration slogans have attacked mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, with reports of violent counter-attacks in some communities.
Call to ‘wear masks’ at protests
Internet chat groups have shared a list of law firms specializing in immigration and consulting as possible targets for Wednesday’s rallies. The messages have invited people to “wear a mask” if they attend.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a second meeting in a row of the government’s COBRA emergency response committee on Tuesday to coordinate the response to the crisis, which he described as “far-right villainy”.
Police have made more than 400 arrests across the country and the government has vowed to prosecute and jail those responsible for the unrest.
“This is the swift action we are taking. If you cause violent disorder on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law,” Starmer said in a message on X on Wednesday.
“It is completely unacceptable, regardless of your political views, to intimidate any sector of lawful activity. We will not allow the immigration and asylum system to be intimidated,” said Mark Rowley, chief executive of London’s Metropolitan Police.
“They operate legally. The thugs and criminals who target them do not, and we are going to put a stop to that,” he said.
The government has also announced new measures to protect mosques.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a message on X that police, City Hall and community leaders were working to protect targeted buildings and places of worship. Those involved in the disorder would face the full force of the law, he said.
“I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslim and ethnic minority communities feeling fear and anxiety, so I urge my fellow Londoners to keep an eye on their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion are at the heart of London,” he said. “In London, we have zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hatred.”
We will do everything we can to protect London and its communities.
We are proud to stand together against the appalling and criminal behavior of recent weeks.
Our message to anyone planning to cause chaos is clear: you will face the full force of the law.
📰🔽 photo.twitter.com/aydp7OQseH