King Charles praises 'community spirit' that counters 'aggression and criminality' after widespread rioting
9 August 2024, 20:10 | Updated: 9 August 2024, 23:59
The King has thanked emergency services for "all they are doing to restore peace" following rioting in parts of the country.
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Disorder which has been seen in towns and cities up and down the UK's stemmed from the fatal stabbings of three little girls in Southport almost two weeks ago.
Figures released on Friday night are showing just over 300 people have been charged over the disorder.
Overall, there have been more than 700 riot-related arrests, so far - with three people jailed today, for social media posts.
In a phone call with the Prime Minister and a separate joint call with the chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex, on Friday evening, Charles was updated on the situation, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
The spokesman said: "In addition to the private calls His Majesty has been making throughout the week concerning recent events - and in particular the impact they have had on affected communities - this evening the King held a phone audience with the Prime Minister, and additionally had a joint call with the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex.
"In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder.
"Additionally, the King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.
"It remains His Majesty's hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation."
Read more: First armchair rioter jailed for 20 months over online posts 'inciting racial hatred'
It comes amid fears that there could be more violence again this weekend.
However, concerns about mass-rioting on Wednesday dissipated after more than 100 planned far-right riots failed to materialise.
The chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) also said forces across the country are "definitely better prepared than last weekend" to deal with any disorder.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens told a media briefing: "Naturally, we've had days to plan and gear up the national response.
"We spoke about the scale of the national mobilisation, and that being as big as it's ever been, so definitely better prepared than last weekend."I think we also feel that the activity that's happened during the course of the week - in bringing really swift and strong justice - has helped.
"The strong message that communities sent on Wednesday evening that they don't tolerate hate and racism and violence, also, as potentially the start of a turning point in this whole thing. So, I think the mood is different as a consequence of all that."
Suspected rioters will also be appearing in magistrates courts across the country, including in Liverpool, Llandudno, South Tyneside and Wirral.
Nick Ferrari is pleased that rioters are being charged quickly
