Protest vs Riots

By the time you are reading this, I don’t know how many more riots have blighted our cities across this country from the Far Right rioters. Violence erupted in cities across England and in Belfast, with a significant number of people being arrested. With rioters throwing projectiles and fireworks, police officers have been harmed, cars burnt, shops smashed and looted and a library set on fire, all of this leading to intimidation of local residents and visitors. The effects of the intimidation may last much longer than the time it takes to rebuild walls and removed burnt vehicles. It creates fear, people should be able to feel safe in their homes and communities.

Protest is a vital cornerstone of democracy, we should be able to express our views in a public way safely – joining others to clearly communicate our concerns over important matters – organised and peaceful. But these rioters pushed away the cameras, as violence and destruction were their primary aim.  Camera evidence would be a thorn in their side should a prosecution ensue. Protestors would want their message spread, but not so with these rioters – this is violent disorder, a crime.

As our Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, stated on this ‘far-right thuggery’: "Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be making arrests. Individuals will be held on remand. Charges will follow. And convictions will follow. I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder." This response is needed to stop a breakdown of law and order, we should not allow "understandable fear to curdle into division and hate in our communities".

Our Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the rioters "Do not speak for Britain, they do not represent what kind of country we are, and everyone wants to see an end to this awful abuse and violence".

A new violent disorder unit has been formed to tackle those causing unrest.  Their methods will include facial recognition technology, shared intelligence across police forces and preventative criminal behaviour orders. But the frontline staff need recognition, the bravery of all the emergency service workers and the vital important work they do, should not be forgotten.

Although violence may be a key driver to the riots, social media has added fuel to fire.  Social media companies have turned a blind eye to the propaganda whipping up violence and disorder, mostly based on lies and purposefully inflammatory language. As Jonathan Brash, Hartlepool’s MP, states: “These people don’t represent us. They don’t represent our values. Together, Hartlepool, we need to come together to stay calm and stand up to this behaviour, because it is not us.”

I assume that some of the protestors believe that they are doing something good.  Perhaps they care about their homes and communities.  But this violent path is taking communities further away from safety and hope. Farage likes to goad people who are frustrated, but I am supremely sceptical that he will show the love, care and dedication it takes as an MP to improve people’s lives and their communities. He’ll probably put more effort into supporting Trump than focusing on the issues Clacton-on-Sea residents face.

My primary thoughts are with the young girls Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar who were killed following the knife attack in Southport along with the other children and adults who also suffered in the attack.  It is their families, friends and community that fill my thoughts. Justice and support should be the focus. These riots should not be their legacy.

Lisa Robillard Webb – Central Devon Labour Party ( centraldevonclp@gmail.com )

Other columns by Lisa Robillard Webb