Starmer reassures communities they 'will be safe' as 6,000 police officers on standby for 30 more far-right rallies

6 August 2024, 17:03 | Updated: 7 August 2024, 07:23

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reassured communities that "they will be safe" following an emergency Cobra meeting as concerns grow about further unrest on Wednesday as more riots are planned.

Sir Keir told reporters: "They will be safe. 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 that is in place.

"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 today to co-ordinate 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.

"But the message has to go to those that are involving themselves in this disorder, which is 'you're wrong, you shouldn't be doing it, you will feel the full force of the law', as I hope we're demonstrating with these swift prosecutions."

The PM held another emergency meeting this evening after police identified 30 new far-right rallies which threaten to take place on Wednesday.

Relevant ministers and police chiefs attended the second meeting chaired by Sir Keir Starmer on continued action to tackle the riots.

Cobra - which stands for Cabinet Office Briefing Room A - is often convened in times of national emergency, such as civil unrest, flooding, or major health concerns.

Ahead of the meeting, police sources said 5950 officers have been mobilised to deal with the unrest, referred to Sir Keir as Britain's 'standing army'.

According to sources, this figure represents 30 per cent of all trained riot officers across the country.

The measures, which were put into place yesterday, mean the force is better prepared for disruption in the wake of recent violence, LBC understands.

Police highlighted that each of these officers has been taken away from regular duties to deal with the unrest and remains ready for any potential disorder.

It's believed that Regional Organised Crime units have also been redeployed as part of the emergency measures, with units tasked with gathering evidence from social media platforms – including widely broadcast TikTok live streams.

The unit is now working to identify whether the actions of any of the riot organisers encroaches into incitement.

The total number of arrests linked to the disorder has now reached 400.

It comes as 28 people were charged in Middlesbrough on Sunday following violent riots.

“We’re clocking up a substantial list of people to be arrested,” a police source told LBC.

Police are aware of six potential events taking place on Tuesday, with officers are anticipating a busy day on Wednesday as they monitor reports of at least 30 possible gatherings.

Sources said forces were watching events closely as they establish what intelligence was credible and stand ready to respond.

Read more: 28 people charged after riots erupt in Middlesbrough

Read more: UK riots live: Belfast man 'seriously hurt' in suspected hate crime as violence continues

That number is expected to rise in the coming days, with police using facial recognition on social media, CCTV and body worn video to identify those involved.

Violence has erupted across the UK in the last seven days, as far-right groups clash with police over the murder of three young girls in Southport.

People who have stirred up disorder online will not escape prosecution, the head of the Crown Prosecution Service has warned.

Dozens of people have appeared in courtrooms across the country in recent hours facing charges related to the unrest, which has now lasted a week across England and parts of Northern Ireland.

It comes as shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly hit out at Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement, criticising his “standing army” of public order police to deal with the rioting.

The Tory frontbencher posted on X: “Labour still don’t understand that they’re not in opposition any more. In government you can’t just say stuff, you have to do stuff.”

Recent hours have seen X founder Elon Musk announce "civil war" is inevitable following the wave of violence.