Violent Disorder

In a statement to the House of Commons, the minister expressed condolences to the families of Cher Maximen and Mussie Imnetu, who tragically lost their lives in violent incidents around the Notting Hill carnival. The minister praised the swift action of the police in charging suspects in both cases, emphasizing that there is no place for such senseless violence on the streets. The minister then addressed the violent disorder that occurred earlier in the summer, recounting the horrific attack in Southport that claimed the lives of three young girls. The minister spoke of the bravery and compassion of the emergency services who responded to the incident, and the solidarity shown by the Southport community and the country. However, the minister expressed outrage that within hours of the previous statement, the same Southport police were subjected to violent attacks from criminals and thugs, with the local mosque also being targeted. The minister condemned the disgraceful violent disorder that erupted in several towns and cities across the country, with over 100 police officers injured and various public and religious buildings attacked. The minister made it clear that these were not protests, but rather acts of thuggery, racism, and crime, perpetrated by individuals with existing criminal convictions. In response, the government and the criminal justice system took swift and robust action, with the Prime Minister announcing a new national violent disorder programme, the deployment of over 40,000 officer shifts by public order officers, and the Crown Prosecution Service deploying additional prosecutors to ensure a strong and determined response. The minister stated that this response has provided a strong deterrent and restored order. Looking ahead, the minister outlined several next steps, including a review of the coordination and intelligence systems for public order policing, the recruitment of more neighborhood police officers and community support officers, a rapid review of extremism, and measures to hold social media companies accountable for the proliferation of harmful content. The minister also assured that the government stands ready to support the police through special grants and the Riot Compensation Act. The minister acknowledged the horror felt by the country at the scenes of violence and disorder, but emphasized that the criminals and thugs do not represent Britain. Instead, the minister highlighted the acts of selflessness and community spirit displayed by the public in the aftermath, as a message to the perpetrators that they do not speak for the nation.