Anti-immigration riots: ‘Standing army’ of UK police braces for more far-right protests

London: Thousands of police officers, including those with specialised training, are preparing to tackle a new wave of far-right anti-immigration protests expected on Wednesday. This time, the protests are aimed at immigration lawyers and their offices.

Following a week of violent clashes in various UK cities, Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a second emergency COBRA meeting on Tuesday evening with ministers, police leaders, and security experts. They developed a strategy to handle potential further disturbances. A list of solicitors' firms and immigration advice agencies has been circulating online, encouraging protesters to "mask up" and participate, a move the government has condemned as "unacceptable."

“We're doing everything we can to ensure that where a police response is needed, it's in place, where support is needed for particular places, that is in place,” Starmer told reporters after the Cabinet Office Briefing Room A (COBRA) meeting.

“Obviously it's a difficult situation with disorder going on in a number of different places at the same time, but that is precisely why I held my second COBRA meeting to coordinate the response and to get the assurance that I want and need that we do have adequate police in place, that we are able to cope with this disorder,” he said.

Approximately 400 people have been arrested so far, with around 100 facing charges and appearing in court for expedited sentencing. "That should send a very powerful message to anybody involved, either directly or online, that you are likely to be dealt with within a week. Nobody, but nobody, should be involved themselves in this disorder," added Starmer, who pledged that all communities “will be safe”.

Stephen Parkinson, England's Director of Public Prosecutions, has warned that some rioters could face terrorism charges. "We are willing to look at terrorism offences. I'm aware of at least one instance where that is happening," he said.

To address the situation, additional riot police are on standby, and local patrols are being increased. Detectives are using CCTV footage, body-worn cameras, and facial recognition technology to identify those involved in violence. Intelligence teams are also monitoring known activists and organisers for any new activities.

“This country is faced with one of the worst spates of violent disorder in the last decade. This is a national critical incident and we will do everything in our power to protect London and its communities,” said Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine.

“We will not tolerate this on our streets. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder. We arrested more than 100 people in central London disorder last week and we will not hesitate to arrest hundreds more if they take to the streets intent on fuelling violence. Our message to anyone who plans to breed disorder is clear – you will face the full force of the law,” he said.

On Tuesday, Liverpool and Durham experienced some tense standoffs, though not as severe as previous clashes that followed the fatal stabbings of three young girls in Southport. Misinformation on social media about the UK-born suspect being an asylum seeker has been identified as a key factor in the riots.

Agencies