British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called off his planned holiday to focus on his government's response to a wave of racially charged riots targeting Muslims and migrants,
according to a source from Downing Street.
Throughout the weekend, thousands of police officers remained on high alert in case the violence resumed, though for the fourth consecutive day on Saturday, counter-protesters significantly outnumbered anti-migration demonstrators across various towns and cities.
The Downing Street source, who requested anonymity, confirmed that Starmer has canceled his holiday, which was scheduled for next week.
The government has swiftly implemented measures to expedite the processing of individuals arrested and charged in connection with the riots.
As of Friday, officials reported that 741 arrests had been made since the unrest began, with 302 people formally charged.
The police have indicated that arrests could continue for several months as investigations proceed.
On Saturday, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), which represents police leaders, announced that specialist officers have been tasked with targeting online offenders and influencers responsible for spreading hate and inciting violence on a large scale.
"Online crimes have real-world consequences, and those responsible will be dealt with as seriously as those physically involved in the violence," stated Chris Haward, the NPCC's lead for serious and organized crime.
In recent days, at least two individuals have been jailed for inciting racial hatred through social media posts.
The riots were triggered by false online claims that identified the suspect in the July 29 stabbing of three young girls in Southport, northwest England, as an Islamist migrant.
On Friday, King Charles appealed for mutual respect and understanding, commending community groups for countering "the aggression and criminality of a few," according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson. Photo by Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street, Wikimedia commons.