Police officers detaining a person during an anti-immigration protest in Blackpool (PA) The Government has praised the “vital role” of the media in reporting the arrest and convictions of those involved in violent disorder. Some 80 adults have so far been sentenced following violent unrest which broke out in parts of the UK in the wake of the Southport stabbings at the end of July. Specific charges have varied across cases but have included violent disorder, affray during a protest, racially aggravated intentional harassment, as well as publishing written material to stir up racial hatred.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the “robust and swift response” of the criminal justice system, which he said “sent a very powerful message” to those considering getting involved in further disorder. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the ‘robust and swift response’ of the criminal justice system (Joe Giddens/PA) In an open letter published on Thursday, justice minister Heidi Alexander thanked the media for ensuring the public “sees and hears about justice being done”. She said: “I want to acknowledge and thank you and your colleagues in the media for the vital role you have played in recent weeks in upholding the principles of open justice and transparency.
“It’s important – now more than ever – that justice is not only being done, but that the public sees and hears about justice being done; that crime leads to punishment and that the conseque.