'Standing Army' of Specialist Police Officers Ready To Deal With UK Rioters,’ Says Keir Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to create a “standing army” of specialized police to combat violent riots across the country. This promise follows a week of unrest that began in Southport, England.

Starmer held an emergency meeting on Monday with key officials, including Scotland Yard’s Mark Rowley. They discussed how to address the violence, which erupted after false rumors spread online. These rumors claimed that a stabbing attack, which killed three girls, was committed by a Muslim asylum-seeker. This misinformation led to attacks on immigrants and Muslims.

The 17-year-old suspect in the stabbing was born in the UK, and authorities do not consider it a terrorist incident. Starmer vowed that the new team of trained police officers would support local forces if riots continued.

“We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or Muslim communities,” Starmer said. “The full force of the law will be used against those involved.”

Source: British PM Keir Starmer held an urgent meeting on the riots. (Reuters: Henry Nicholls/Pool)

Recently, angry mobs targeted two hotels housing asylum seekers, breaking windows and setting fires. Police have been injured by bricks and bottles. South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard condemned the violence, calling the attackers “far-right thugs.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper promised severe punishments for those involved, including jail sentences and travel bans. About 420 people have been arrested. The Home Office is enhancing protection for mosques through a new rapid response process.

Starmer criticized social media companies for not stopping false information and warned that anyone spreading lies, online or offline, could face prison.