Tomorrow London will see a series of “stop the far-right” protests organised by the campaign group Stand Up to Racism in response to recent violent riots.
Demonstrations will be held in six locations across the city, including Finsbury Park Mosque, St Augustines Tower in Hackney, Windrush Square in Brixton, Stratford Bus Station, Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel and most notably, the Reform UK headquarters in Westminster.
These London events, organized by Stand Up to Racism, are part of a larger national day of action, with 22 “stop the far-right” demonstrations planned across the UK on August 10.
Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his message that police should remain on “high alert” going into the weekend as unrest that started last week appeared to have eased.
False information spread on social media about the identity of the alleged Southport knife attacker has been seen as playing a role in sparking the recent violence by far-right groups, leading some to call for tougher regulation on social media.
During a visit to the Metropolitan Police’s special operations room in Lambeth on Friday, the Prime Minister told broadcasters: “My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert.
“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.”
At least a dozen people were jailed on Thursday for their part in the riots of the past 10 days, with more expected to be sent to prison on Friday, including some on live television.
At his third emergency Cobra meeting since violence broke out, the Prime Minister is understood to have said policing in the right places and swift justice over the past week, including sentencing, have acted as a deterrent to disorder.
Many planned events failed to materialise on Wednesday night.
More of those arrested in the violent disorder of the past week appeared in court on Friday and more than 190 charges have been brought over the unrest.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel