Police on High Alert for Weekend Protests as UK Government Vows Swift Justice for Any Unrest

Authorities are ready for potential unrest during the weekend's protests, a government official informed Sky News.

By Alix Culbertson and Faye Brown, correspondents covering politics

Friday, August 9, 2024 09:13

A government official stated that law enforcement is ready for all possible scenarios this weekend, following instructions from Sir Keir Starmer to police leaders to stay vigilant for potential protests.

Speaking to Sky News on Friday, government minister Nick Thomas-Symonds emphasized that heading into the weekend, the stance is clear: "Anyone participating in violent or aggressive acts in public will face swift action from the criminal justice system."

He stated that more police officers remain ready to respond and will ensure that communities worried about their safety are safeguarded.

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"We will maintain a state of heightened alert," he informed Sky News.

"We will maintain the availability of extra officers, and I am confident that you will observe an increase in the number of individuals being handled by our criminal justice system."

"As we head into the weekend, we are ready for whatever may come our way, and I believe that is extremely significant."

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He cautioned, stating: "The law is uniformly enforced against all individuals. Anyone participating in illegal or violent activities, making threats of violence, whether in public spaces or online, will be subjected to the full extent of legal consequences, regardless of who they are."

Mr. Thomas-Symonds emphasized that the government is prepared to implement any required adjustments to the Online Safety Act, which is yet to be completely enacted, to properly refine the online safety regulations.

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He made the remarks following a night where Sir Keir Starmer had advised police leaders to stay vigilant, despite the expected disturbances on Wednesday not occurring to the extent anticipated.

It is reported that during a COBRA meeting held on Thursday evening, the prime minister stated that the increased police presence and rapid legal actions taken in response to the recent disturbances have effectively served as a deterrent.

A source from Number 10 informed Sky News that the Prime Minister, while expressing gratitude to the police and the broader justice system, emphasized the importance of remaining highly vigilant.

COBRA, an acronym for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A, is typically convened during crises such as civil disturbances or floods.

Further reading: Authorities vow to track down suspects as photos of individuals sought in connection with riots are published.

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Thursday's COBRA session marked the third major assembly this week, convened in response to over a week of tumultuous unrest triggered by the stabbings in Southport.

Misinformation spread on the internet claimed that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was an asylum seeker; however, he was in fact born in Cardiff.

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Wednesday was anticipated to be the most tumultuous evening yet, with 6,000 specialized officers prepared in response to alerts of over 100 far-right demonstrations expected to occur.

According to police chiefs, the evening unfolded with "little chaos and just a few arrests," while thousands of anti-racism activists gathered in the streets.

Several individuals involved in the riots have received prison sentences of up to three years, while additional suspects are still undergoing legal proceedings related to the nationwide disturbances.

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Authorities have detained 483 individuals related to the recent disturbances, with charges formally filed against 151 of them so far.

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) stated that they anticipate a considerable increase in those figures.

Earlier, Sir Keir informed journalists that the extended prison terms had delivered "a very strong signal," emphasizing that "we must continue to press on."

For further details, visit Sky News: Minister of Policing alerts to potential additional demonstrations. Authorities distribute surveillance footage of riot suspects. Starmer's early victory over rioters is premature, according to reports.

"He emphasized the necessity of ongoing dialogue with law enforcement and police chiefs to ensure that the appropriate personnel are strategically positioned to advance the criminal justice efforts."

"Stay vigilant"

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NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens emphasized that individuals committed to causing violence and destruction are still present, and he noted that the police are particularly attentive to the upcoming weekend.

He recommended increasing security patrols at lower-tier football games as the season begins, due to potential disturbances at these events.

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He mentioned that although wrongdoers were "discouraged" and "got a clear signal from the public," numerous possible incidents continue to be promoted and shared on the internet.

"We are fully aware that we must stay prepared for the coming days, especially the weekend. Therefore, our approach to policing will remain unchanged."

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