UK police to stay on 'high alert' amid ongoing unrest, says Premier Starmer

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Law enforcement across the UK will remain on "high alert" as the country approaches the weekend, following several days of violent disorder in England and Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Friday.

This heightened vigilance comes after a series of large-scale anti-racism protests on Wednesday night appeared to curb days of far-right violence in England.

Speaking on the matter, Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining robust security measures, stating: "My message to the police and all those responsible for responding to disorder is to maintain that high alert."

Starmer credited the swift processing of rioters in the courts with having a deterring effect on potential troublemakers.

He told broadcasters: "I'm absolutely convinced that having the police officers in place these last few days, and the swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts, have had a real impact.

"But we have to stay on high alert going into this weekend because we absolutely have to make sure that our communities are safe and secure and feel safe and secure."

Starmer met with London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine at the Lambeth Command and Control base for a briefing on the force’s response to public disorder.

Starmer also acknowledged the situation was made more complex as the football season is set to kick off this weekend.

"I think there are a lot of things in the mix this weekend, but of course, whatever the challenge, we have to rise to it," he said. "That’s why I’ve held Cobra meetings and why I’ve been discussing the police's plans for the weekend today.

"Yes, football is added into the mix, there are other factors at play, but our focus must remain solely on the safety and security of our communities, and that’s exactly where it is," he said.

- Online Safety Act

Starmer also issued a stern warning to social media users, reminding them that online platforms were not a "law-free zone."

He pointed to the recent prosecution and sentencing of individuals over online behavior, stating: "That's a reminder to everyone that whether you're directly involved or whether you're remotely involved, you're culpable, and you will be put before the courts if you've broken the law."

The UK government is under increasing pressure to amend its online misinformation laws after a wave of far-right riots erupted across the country last week, sparked by false information that circulated on social media.

The riots, which spread rapidly in several towns and cities, have placed the spotlight on the Online Safety Act, a major piece of legislation passed last year but yet to be fully implemented.

The riots were ignited by widely shared online posts that falsely identified as a Muslim migrant the suspect in a July 29 knife attack that resulted in the death of three young girls.

This misinformation, combined with limited moderation on social media platforms, enabled rioters to organize and incite violence, leading to clashes with police forces across Britain.

In response to the violence, senior government officials have acknowledged the need to revisit the Online Safety Act.

Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said on Friday that the government is prepared to reassess the law’s framework. "There are obviously aspects of the Online Safety Act that haven't come into effect yet. We stand ready to make changes if necessary," he stated during an interview with Sky News.

In the past week, UK law enforcement reported 595 arrests related to the recent surge in public disorder across the country.

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) confirmed that these arrests span a wide range of offenses, including violent disorder, theft, and antisocial behavior.

Authorities are committed to curbing the unrest, with the NPCC revealing that hundreds of more suspects have been identified and will be apprehended in the coming days and weeks.

Stephen Parkinson, director of public prosecutions, emphasized the importance of a strong and swift response from law enforcement to deter further incidents.