Following the violent far-right riots that erupted across various cities in the UK, leading to over 700 arrests, King Charles III has applauded the “community spirit” of peaceful counter-protesters in a call for unity. In a statement issued on Saturday, Buckingham Palace revealed that Charles had held telephone audiences with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and law enforcement officials on Friday. During these conversations, Charles expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to police and other emergency workers for their efforts in restoring order and assisting those affected by the violence.
The palace statement further highlighted Charles’s encouragement from the numerous examples of community spirit that countered the aggression and criminality of a few. “It remains his majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation,” the palace stated.
British police are maintaining a high alert for any unexpected violence after over a week of rioting. During this period, crowds fueled by anti-immigrant and anti-religious sentiments targeted religious structures, looted shops, and clashed with law enforcement. The government has denounced the violence as “far-right thuggery” and deployed 6,000 specially trained officers to address the unrest.
The riots were exacerbated by right-wing activists spreading misinformation on social media regarding the July 29 knife attack that resulted in the deaths of three girls aged 6 to 9 during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport. Police apprehended a 17-year-old suspect. However, unsubstantiated rumors quickly circulated on social media alleging that the suspect was an asylum-seeker or a Muslim immigrant.
The unrest has significantly subsided since Wednesday night when a wave of anticipated far-right demonstrations failed to materialize. This was due to thousands of peaceful protesters congregating at locations across the UK to demonstrate their support for immigrants and asylum-seekers. Police had prepared for confrontations at over 100 locations after right-wing groups disseminated lists of potential targets on social media. While anti-racism groups organized counterprotests in response, in most locations, they reclaimed the streets with no opposition.
Starmer emphasized that the police will remain on high alert this weekend, coinciding with the start of the professional soccer season. Authorities are investigating a potential link between the rioters and groups of “football hooligans” known for inciting trouble at soccer matches. “My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert,” Starmer stated on Friday while visiting the special operations room of London’s Metropolitan Police Service.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported that 741 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence, including 304 who have been charged with criminal offenses. Courts around the country have commenced hearings for those charged, with some receiving sentences of three years in prison. Starmer expressed confidence that the “swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts” will deter rioters from returning to the streets this weekend.
