Keir Starmer condemns ‘far-right thuggery’ as violent protests take place across UK

'This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery'

The prime minister told reporters at Downing Street that those involved in the violence would feel the "full force of the law."

He said: "You will regret taking part in this. There is no justification for taking this action."

The Labour leader went on to say that people in the UK "have a right to be safe" but that we have seen "Muslim communities targeted... Nazi salutes in the street".

He added: "I won't shy away from calling it what it is - far-right thuggery."

In recent days, a number of far-right protests have taken place in towns and cities across the country. There have been violent clashes between protestors and police in areas such as Liverpool, Bolton, Hull Middlesbrough and Sunderland, whilst more than 100 people were arrested in London following protests there on Wednesday.

The violence started in Southport following the killing of three young girls in the town on Monday.

The unrest continued into the weekend, and on Sunday protestors gathered at a Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham, which is housing asylum seekers.

Those involved started a fire, smashed windows and were chanting "get them out", the BBC reports.

Starmer labelled the scenes in Rotherham as "marauding gangs intent on law-breaking and nothing else" and said they left "residents and staff in absolute fear".

He vowed the government would do "whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice," promising that there will be arrests, charges and convictions "whatever the apparent cause or motivation."

"This is not a protest, it is organised, violent thuggery and it has no place on our streets or online," he said.

The PM continued: "If you target people because of the colour of their skin or faith, that is far-right and I’m prepared to say so.

"Our police deserve our support as they tackle any and all violent disorder that flares up."

The scenes in Rotherham have also been condemned by home secretary Yvette Cooper. She said in a post on X: "The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside.

"South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible."

On Thursday, Starmer announced government plans with police forces to collaborate more in intelligence sharing to crack down on far-right riots.