The Government has confirmed it will be holding an emergency Cobra meeting today (Monday, August 5) in response to escalating violence and riots over the weekend. Police responded to violent scenes in Rotherham, Middlesbrough, Bolton and other parts of the UK on Sunday (August 4). Hotels that were believed to be housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and Tamworth were targeted, with windows smashed and fires started.
More than 150 people were arrested across the UK with some police officers injured and property damage caused. It was part of a sixth day of disorder following the killing of three young girls in Southport on Monday (July 29). Monday’s meeting is due to involve relevant ministers and police representatives who will discuss the response in the coming days to ensure there is no repeat of the violent scenes.
Cobra meetings, or Cobr meetings as they are often also called, are named after Cabinet Office Briefing Room A on Whitehall, BBC News reports . Keir Starmer strongly condemns far-right thuggery of rioters Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer gave a televised address on Sunday and warned those involved that they would " regret" taking part. He added: "People in this country have a right to be safe, and yet we've seen Muslim communities targeted, attacks on mosques.
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend. Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.
twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ — Keir Starm.