British PM Condemns Violent Anti-Immigration Protests

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned 'far-right thuggery' amid violent anti-immigration protests following misinformation related to a knife attack in Southport. The protests spread across towns, leading to property damage and police injuries. Starmer promised legal action against the perpetrators and called for public unity.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned 'far-right thuggery' on Sunday after violent anti-immigration protests erupted in response to a knife attack last week in Southport, northwest England. Misinformation had inaccurately linked the suspect to being an immigrant and Islamist, despite police clarifying that the suspect was British-born and not a terrorist.

The unrest spread to cities like Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, resulting in arrests and injuries. Local police struggled with masked protesters in Rotherham, where a hotel housing asylum seekers was attacked. Starmer asserted that the violence would be met with the full force of the law, denouncing it as criminal rather than legitimate protest.

Local authorities escalated security measures around mosques due to increased threats. The wave of protests marks the most significant civil unrest since 2011. Community leaders and victims' families from Southport have called for unity, warning against using the tragedy to foment division and hate.

(With inputs from agencies.)