UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced a violent attack on a hotel housing asylum-seekers on Sunday, which left at least ten police officers injured, as “far-right thuggery.” The incident was the latest in a series of violent clashes across the country, sparked by a stabbing rampage at a dance class that killed three girls and injured many others.
In a statement, Starmer vowed to bring those responsible to justice, saying, “We will do everything in our power to hold these individuals accountable for their actions.” He warned that those involved in the violence, either directly or through online incitement, would face consequences. “This is not a protest, it’s organized violence, and it has no place in our society,” he emphasized.
The violence escalated in Rotherham, where hundreds of rioters attempted to storm a Holiday Inn Express hotel being used to accommodate asylum-seekers. Police struggled to maintain order, and at least ten officers were injured, including one who was left unconscious. South Yorkshire Police described the behavior of the rioters as “disgusting” and warned that those involved would be identified and brought to justice.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield condemned the violence, saying, “Those who stood by and watched are just as complicit as those who committed the violence and destruction.” Police are reviewing online footage and imagery to identify those involved and expect to make further arrests.
The far-right groups have exploited concerns about immigration in the UK, particularly the arrival of migrants in small boats from France. Tensions ran high in Middlesbrough, where protesters broke through police lines, smashing windows and throwing objects at officers. One protester justified the violence by saying, “Because we’re English.”
Starmer emphasized that targeting individuals based on their skin color or faith is a hallmark of far-right ideology. “People have the right to feel safe, but we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted, mosques attacked, and racist rhetoric used to justify violence,” he said.
The violence began after false rumors spread online that the suspect in the dance class stabbing was an asylum-seeker. The suspect, Axel Rudakubana, has been charged with three counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder. Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with the disorder, and police are warning that widespread security measures may impact their ability to investigate other crimes.
