Prime Minister Starmer’s ‘Standing Army’: A New Tactic in UK’s Battle Against Public Disorder

What does Sir Keir Starmer mean by a 'standing army' – and can it be effective?

The practice of deploying public order officers to different regions for large-scale events, known as "mutual aid," is already a common occurrence.

Political reporter @tamcohen

Monday, August 5, 2024, 6:

Today, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled a new initiative to create a dedicated force of expert police officers aimed at tackling the persistent issue of violence.

This situation does not involve the actual military, as government officials have emphasized that the police force is sufficient to handle the incidents.

The practice of deploying law enforcement to different regions for large-scale events, known as "mutual aid," is already a common occurrence.

Update on UK disturbances: Nations release 'travel advisories' and caution their citizens about unrest

Under the guidance of the National Police Chiefs Council, multiple police departments have dispatched trained officers to London in recent months to manage pro-Palestine demonstrations in response to the terrorist attacks on October 7.

These protocols are also implemented to maintain order during major sports tournaments and significant national occasions like the Queen's funeral.

A high-ranking official from Downing Street mentioned that this "standing army" would be an upgraded form of mutual aid, allowing for faster deployment of officers to critical areas.

Thousands of public order officers are reportedly on duty, with police forces appearing assured about their staffing levels, though this will require reassignment from other responsibilities.

The concept isn’t original, yet the prime minister affirmed, "We will ensure the necessary police presence in required locations."

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The forthcoming hurdle involves ensuring that those apprehended face legal proceedings, as the accumulation of unresolved cases in both the Crown courts and Magistrates courts has reached unprecedented levels, as per the latest data from June, and remains significantly below the numbers seen before the pandemic.

The industry points to a shortage of criminal lawyers, court personnel, and the poor condition of numerous court facilities as long-standing issues.

Judicial bodies have not been instructed to operate 24/7 like they did during the 2021 London riots. Tana Adkin KC, the head of the Criminal Bar Association, stated that this would not be feasible since the system is already operating at its full capacity.

Nevertheless, the prime minister maintained that these instances would be addressed "quickly," with offenders being publicly identified and criticized during their initial hearings.

Several individuals implicated in the case entered guilty pleas today and are scheduled for sentencing in September. This process has moved swiftly, which contrasts with the lengthy delays often experienced by crime victims awaiting trial outcomes.

Correctional facilities are approaching maximum capacity, prompting the early release of numerous inmates to make room. The prime minister has stated that this issue is under careful scrutiny and that individuals behind the unrest will face consequences.

The last segment of the statement emphasizes that individuals who engage in or encourage violent acts online will be subjected to stringent legal consequences.

Learn more: What's causing the unrest in the UK? Asylum seekers forced to sleep outdoors after hotel becomes focus of attention.

In a recent statement, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the role of social media in spreading hatred, indicating that he plans to push social media companies to take greater action against such content.

When X owner Elon Musk posts tweets about a "civil war," it becomes challenging to envision their next steps. Additionally, the spokesperson for the prime minister indicated that adversarial nations might be involved.

Discussions persist on whether Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist blamed for inciting riots during his vacation and asserting they stem from "legitimate concerns," should maintain his presence on social platforms where he boasts around 800,000 followers.

The Home Secretary has allocated funds to mosques to enhance security measures, in response to violent acts directed at Muslim communities.

In the upcoming days and weeks, it will become clear how swiftly the implemented strategies will stabilize the current turmoil.

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