KEIR Starmer has said those participating in violence, including those “whipping up this action online”, would “regret” it.
The Prime Minister made a televised statement on Sunday after far-right riots erupted across England in a weekend marked by violence.
Dozens of people were arrested across England and Northern Ireland on Saturday for their involvement in riots which saw a foodbank and a library set on fire and numerous police officers injured.
The violence continued on Sunday as rioters in Rotherham set a hotel housing asylum seekers on fire, smashing windows and forcing their way into the building.
The riots come after far-right figures such as Tommy Robinson whipped up anti-immigrant sentiment on social media following the killing of three children in Southport.
Disinformation spread online surrounding the ethnic and religious identity Axel Muganwa Rudakuban, 17, from Lancashire, who was arrested by police following the attack.
Addressing the nation following days of violence, the Prime Minister said: “Be in no doubt, those that have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.
“The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand, charges will follow and convictions will follow.
“I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves.
“This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online.”
He pledged to “do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible” amid the violence which has spread since the Southport killings.
He told reporters that time has been spent over recent days working with police and the justice system to “make sure that the necessary arrangements for law enforcement are in place”.
It means the system can get “arrests, charge, remand and custody and conviction done very quickly”.
Noting that he was part of that system when he was director of public prosecutions, he added: “I am determined we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice as quickly as possible.”
He added: “If you target people because of the colour of their skin or their faith then that is far-right and I’m prepared to say so.”
!This is violence. It is not protest. It doesn’t matter what the motivation is.
“The motivation for the vast majority of people in this country is to see their streets safe – and that is what I am determined we will deliver.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the deliberate torching of a hotel where people were known to be inside was “utterly appalling” and South Yorkshire Police have Government backing to take “the strongest action”.
The Home Office, on Sunday, offered mosques greater protections as part of a new process, under which it said “rapid security” deployment can be requested in order to allow a return to worship as fast as possible.
Cooper said: “Britain is a proud and tolerant country, and nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.
“In light of the disgraceful threats and attacks that local mosques have also faced in many communities, the Government is providing rapid additional support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, alongside the support from local police forces and we repeat that anyone involved in this disorder and violence will face the full force of the law.
“As a nation we will not tolerate criminal behaviour, dangerous extremism, and racist attacks that go against everything our country stands for.”
