The UK is on high alert as thousands of riot police prepare to tackle potential outbreaks of violence, following a week of unrest that has seen hundreds arrested and over 100 charged.
Far-right groups have planned demonstrations in over 30 locations, targeting immigration lawyers and buildings hosting asylum seekers.
The violence erupted after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport, which killed three children and injured five others. False rumors spread on social media claiming the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker, leading to widespread violence and disorder.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned those involved in the violence will face “the full force of the law”, including those inciting violence online. He expects “substantive sentencing” for the rioters by the end of the week.
The unrest has led to countries warning their citizens about the dangers of traveling in the UK. Rioting has seen demonstrators attack police officers, burn cars, and target mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
The government has vowed to take a tough line on the unrest, with Justice Minister Heidi Alexander announcing an extra 500 prison places. Police have blamed the disorder on people associated with the far-right English Defence League.
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper has promised “a reckoning” for perpetrators, while Tech billionaire Elon Musk has escalated a dispute with the UK government, likening Britain to “the Soviet Union”.
