British police prepared Wednesday for another night of violence amid concerns that anti-immigration groups plan to target as many as 30 locations around the United Kingdom following a week of rioting and disorder.
The head of London’s Metropolitan Police Service said officers were focused on protecting immigration lawyers and services. In addition to thousands of officers already deployed, about 1,300 specialist forces were on standby in case of serious trouble in London.
“We’ll protect those people,″ Commissioner Mark Rowley said. “It is completely unacceptable, regardless of your political views, to intimidate any sector of lawful activity, and we will not let the immigration asylum system be intimidated.
“They’re operating lawfully. The thugs and criminals who are targeting them are not, and we’ll stop that.”
U.K. cities and towns have been wracked by violence for the past week as angry mobs egged on by far-right extremists have clashed with police and counter-demonstrators. The unrest was sparked by the spread of misinformation about the identity of the suspect in a stabbing rampage that killed three young girls in the seaside community of Southport. The suspect was falsely identified as an immigrant and a Muslim.
Rioters spouting anti-immigrant slogans have attacked mosques and hotels housing asylum-seekers, with reports emerging of violent counter-attacks in some communities.
The U.K. government wants social media companies to do more to stop the spread of disinformation after it was spread on platforms like X and sparked violent protests.
Call to ‘mask up’ for protests
Police anticipated more than 100 events, Britain’s Press Association reported, citing a law enforcement source.
Internet chat groups have shared a list of law firms specializing in immigration and advice agencies as possible targets for gatherings Wednesday. The messages invited people to “mask up” if attending.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a second consecutive meeting of the government’s COBRA emergency response committee on Tuesday to co-ordinate the response to the crisis, which he has described as “far-right thuggery.”
Police have already made more than 400 arrests around the country, and the government has pledged to prosecute and jail those responsible for the disorder.
The government has also announced new measures to protect mosques.
Imran Ahmed, CEO of the U.S.-based Center for Countering Digital Hate, breaks down what is happening online to fuel ongoing riots in the U.K. — and how that online behaviour and disinformation can spark confusion and have harrowing real-world impacts.
“This is the swift action we’re taking. If you provoke violent disorder on our streets or online, you will face the full force of the law,” Starmer said in a post Wednesday on X.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a post on X that the police, city hall and community leaders are working to protect targeted buildings and places of worship. Those involved in the disorder will feel the full force of the law, he said.
“I know the shocking scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities scared and fearful, so I ask my fellow Londoners to check on their friends and neighbours and show them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about,” he said.
“In London, we have zero-tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hate.”
We will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities.<br><br>We are proud to stand together against the vile and criminal behaviour seen in recent weeks.<br><br>Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear – you will face the full force of the law.<br><br>📰🔽 <a href=”https://t.co/aydp7OQseH”>pic.twitter.com/aydp7OQseH</a>
—@metpoliceuk
Saira Hussain, who runs a small architectural practice, described the unrest as “upsetting.”
“I’m a third-generation British Pakistani,” she said. “I was born here, studied here, trade here and employ people from this country. I bet I’ve contributed much more to this country than any of these people that are causing trouble.”
