Debunking the Myth of Two-Tier Policing Amid UK Riots: Perspectives from Elon Musk to Politicians

UK riots: Exploring the concept of 'two-tier' policing – reality or myth?

Elon Musk has been promoting the notion of two-tier policing, a concept that has been dismissed by leading politicians of various affiliations and top police officials.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 8:

Claims of uneven policing are becoming more prevalent as riots by far-right groups persist in various towns and cities throughout the UK.

The expression refers to the perception that certain protests and demonstrations receive stricter treatment compared to others.

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Elon Musk, who currently holds the title of the wealthiest individual globally and owns the social media platform X, has recently been one of the proponents of this concept.

However, the idea has been dismissed by high-ranking politicians and law enforcement officials.

What are the roots of 'two-tier' law enforcement?

The phrase "two-tier policing" implies that law enforcement has applied stricter measures to individuals on the right side of the political spectrum compared to those on the left.

Prior to the recent unrest in the UK, figures such as Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League, Laurence Fox, an actor who turned to political activism, and Robert Jenrick, a former immigration minister, had already spread the notion in the context of demonstrations supporting Palestine.

Recently, the head of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, encapsulated the prevailing mood when he stated on Monday that the lenient approach taken by the police during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests has led to a widespread perception of biased law enforcement.

The MP from Clacton has reiterated his stance, stating on social media that "the majority believe that ethnic minorities are subject to a different type of policing compared to white British individuals."

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"Distinction between a Riot and a Protest"

Critics of Mr. Farage and his associates, who have employed the term, argue that there is a distinct separation between lawful, non-violent demonstrations and the recent chaotic disturbances. These disturbances have involved attacks on mosques and hotels sheltering asylum seekers, resulted in injuries to police officers requiring hospital care, and led to the vandalizing and looting of stores.

A particularly strong criticism was voiced by Dame Priti Patel, who served as Home Secretary at the time of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020.

She explained to Times Radio: "There's a significant distinction between simply obstructing streets or roads being shut down and the actions of burning down libraries, hotels, food banks, and assaulting places of worship. What we are witnessing is vandalism, aggression, and racism.

"Remarks like that are not pertinent at the moment. That's inaccurate.

"During the pandemic, there were demonstrations. We support the right to free speech. These protests were subject to law enforcement oversight."

"Currently, we are witnessing acts of violence, chaos, and criminal behavior. It's important to recognize that these are distinctly separate issues."

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What are the legal regulations regarding demonstrations in the UK?

Ms. Patel pointed out that protesting is lawful in the UK, and the right to free speech is safeguarded by the European Convention on Human Rights.

This is solely applicable to non-violent demonstrations and does not cover any harm or destruction that occurs during a protest.

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Chris Hobbs, a former Special Branch officer who contributed to the Police Oracle website, noted that arrests have occurred at Pro-Palestinian protests due to suspected criminal activities, similar to what has been observed at climate change rallies and BLM events.

Neil Basu, the previous leader of counter-terrorism, spoke to Sky News, firmly denying the existence of a two-tier policing system in the UK, and described such claims as "very dangerous rhetoric."

He stated: "Our duty is to uphold the law. Therefore, regardless of your appearance or beliefs, if you violate the law, you need to be held accountable. If you perpetrate a terrorist act, you should be prosecuted under the Terrorism Act. If it's a public order violation, then it should be handled according to the Public Order Act."

"Individuals who perpetrate hate crimes ought to be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws."

"I don't see it as being divided into two levels. It's really a matter of whether you've met the standard required."

What were Elon Musk's remarks?

The billionaire head of X labeled the prime minister "two-tier Keir" while condemning his handling of the riots.

He commented on a video that displayed a throng of masked individuals congregating outside a Birmingham pub, with several waving Palestinian flags.

West Midlands Police have announced the initiation of an inquiry into a violent disturbance following an incident where a man was attacked and a pub window was shattered.

Discover more: Exploring Starmer's 'standing army'—its effectiveness and potential. Unpacking how the far right took over the protests in Southport.

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The group expressed regret for the actions of a few of their members who were responsible for the damage and have offered to cover the costs of repairs. They also stated that they will continue investigating to identify the culprits.

In reaction to Musk's remarks, West Midlands Police Superintendent Emlyn Richards clarified that the concept of two-tier policing "doesn't exist" in their department, emphasizing: "We are here to enforce the law impartially."

The prime minister has dismissed the idea, labeling it a "non-issue" and maintaining that law enforcement operates impartially.

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