What is going on in the UK as asylum seeker hotels attacked by far-right mobs?

In recent days, the United Kingdom has experienced a wave of violent protests and unrest, sparked by the stabbing of three young girls in Southport. These incidents have escalated into targeted attacks against hotels housing asylum seekers, resulting in widespread violence and damage.

The situation has been described as the worst social unrest the country has seen since the 2011 riots.

Around 700 far-right protesters, clad in balaclavas and waving St George’s flags, stormed the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. They clashed with police officers who were attempting to protect the hotel and its occupants. The rioters threw chairs, wooden planks, and other objects, set fires, and used fire extinguishers against the officers.

At least 10 police officers were injured, with one left unconscious and another suffering a suspected fractured elbow. The protesters also breached the hotel, smashing windows and causing significant damage. Some occupants of the hotel were seen looking out at the chaos from the windows, though it remains unclear if they were able to evacuate safely.

In another incident, in Tamworth, rioters also targeted a hotel housing asylum seekers. Protesters there threw projectiles, smashed windows, and started fires. The situation in both locations was described by Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield as involving “marauding gangs intent on law-breaking,” leaving “terrified residents and staff” inside the hotels, reported UK’s Daily Mail.

How has the government responded?

The violent actions have been strongly condemned by government officials and public figures. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the nation, denouncing the far-right violence as “far-right thuggery” and promised that those involved would face “the full force of the law.”

He stated that the actions of these violent rioters do not represent the country, saying, “People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet we’ve seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques, other minority communities singled out, Nazi salutes in the street, attacks on the police, wanton violence alongside racist rhetoric.”

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these sentiments, describing the events as “utterly appalling.” She stated, “Nobody should make any excuses for the shameful actions of the hooligans, thugs, and extremist groups who have been attacking police officers, looting local shops, or attacking people based on the colour of their skin.”

The UK Home Office has announced that mosques will be offered “greater protection with new emergency security” measures, allowing for rapid security deployment to protect communities and enable a quick return to worship.

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Diana Johnson, the UK’s policing minister, stated that there was no current need to involve the army, as police resources were deemed sufficient.

Disgusted to see the appalling mindless criminal behaviour in Hull today. My thoughts are with Humberside Police officers injured by these criminals. Those thugs engaging in violence, vandalism and disorder will face the full force of the law - in Hull and around the country.

She stressed the importance of a swift response, noting that the plan was to carry out quick arrests and charges to act as a deterrent and prevent further unrest.

Unrest spreads across the UK

The unrest has not been confined to Rotherham and Tamworth. Similar scenes of violence have been reported in towns and cities across England, including Middlesbrough, Bolton, Weymouth, and more.

In Middlesbrough, around 300 protesters marched towards the city’s Cenotaph, carrying banners with xenophobic slogans and chanting “we want our country back.” Violence erupted, with projectiles being thrown at police, and several arrests were made.

What the news isn’t currently showing - Middlesbrough. People’s homes being targeted. Cars and house windows being smashed up #riots pic.twitter.com/0yiSyaxYob

In Bolton, a peaceful protest turned chaotic when two groups of demonstrators clashed, with one group shouting “Allahu Akbar” and the other waving England flags.

Former UK PM Rishi Sunak also condemned the violence, stating, “The shocking scenes we’re seeing on the streets of Britain have nothing to do with the tragedy in Southport. This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society.”

South Yorkshire’s mayor, Oliver Coppard, expressed his dismay at the violence, stating, “What we’re seeing is not protest; it is brutal thuggery directed against some of the most vulnerable people in our society.” He assured the public that those responsible for the violence would be pursued “with the full force of the law,” reported Daily Mail.

What is being done to manage the situation?

The government and law enforcement agencies are taking significant steps to address the situation. Police are reviewing considerable online imagery and footage to identify those involved in the violence, and more arrests are expected. The response may include fast-tracking prosecutions and potentially holding courts around the clock to handle cases swiftly.

Assistant Chief Constable Butterfield highlighted the consequences of the unrest, noting the diversion of police resources and the injuries sustained by officers, reported Daily Mail. She condemned the actions of the rioters, stating, “The mindless actions of those today have achieved nothing other than sheer destruction and leaving members of the public and the wider community in fear.”

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Starmer has pledged to stay engaged with the crisis, despite previous plans for a holiday, indicating the seriousness with which 10 Downing Street is addressing the unrest. The violence and chaos have left a deep mark on communities across the UK, and have underlined the dangers of misinformation and the challenges posed by extremism.

With inputs from agencies