UK: Police gear up for potential far-right riots

The UK is on high alert as police brace for more far-right unrest amid alarming reports of 30 planned gatherings across the country.

Authorities are preparing for potential violence as a list of targeted locations circulates among extremist groups.

Minister Jim McMahon emphasized the seriousness of the situation in an interview, stating, “Clearly we need to be prepared for the eventuality that there may be further unrest and violence.

“But we of course don’t want it to happen. We want people to heed the warnings that have been issued. We want people to see the arrests and the charging decisions that have already been made to say that if people do go out and they intend to cause trouble, or they incite other people to cause trouble, they can expect the full force of the law.

“Because in the end, all of us have the right to live in a community without fear of violence or harassment or intimidation.”

The police forces are on high alert, closely monitoring reports indicating that up to 30 gatherings could occur, with a focus on solicitors’ firms and advice agencies. Instructions circulating in chat groups advise participants to “mask up” if attending these events.

Tell Mama, an organization dedicated to monitoring Islamophobia in the UK, has alerted police and counter-terrorism officials to the escalating far-right threats. The Law Society of England and Wales expressed grave concerns, labeling the gatherings as a “direct assault on our legal profession.”

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the threats against solicitors, calling them “unacceptable” and warning that those involved will “join the hundreds of others who have already been arrested by police within the last week.”

The government’s emergency Cobra committee convened for a second time, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in attendance. Starmer acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “Obviously it’s a difficult situation with disorder going on in a number of different places at the same time, but that is precisely why I held my second Cobra meeting today to coordinate the response and to get the assurance that I want and need that we do have adequate police in place, that we are able to cope with this disorder.”

Since the Southport stabbings last week, more than 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the widespread riots and disorder. Authorities expect this number to rise as they continue to address the ongoing unrest.