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Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, is facing mounting pressure to resign after making controversial remarks suggesting that rioters were attempting to “uphold British values” during the recent wave of unrest across the UK. The riots were initially sparked by the tragic killings of three young girls in Southport.
In a statement released in the wake of the first wave of riots, Jones questioned the government’s approach to immigration and the Labour Party’s stance on British values. She wrote: “The questions these people want answering; what is the government’s solution to mass uncontrolled immigration? How are the new Labour government going to uphold and build on British values? This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Keir Starmer’s government, and it’s bitten quickly.
Her comments have been met with widespread criticism, with many accusing her of justifying the violence and failing to call for calm during a time of national crisis. Among those calling for her resignation is Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis, who described Jones’ statement as “divisive, inflammatory, and grossly irresponsible.
Far from appealing for calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones attempting to justify the criminality we have seen across the UK this week is divisive, inflammatory, and grossly irresponsible. Her position is clearly untenable,” Jarvis said in a statement.
Danny Chambers, the newly elected MP for Winchester, echoed these sentiments, stating that Jones “should be considering her position” in light of her comments.
In response to the growing backlash, the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, the body responsible for holding the commissioner to account, has acknowledged the complaints but has not yet indicated whether any formal action will be taken. A spokesperson for the panel stated, “The role of the panel is to scrutinise decisions taken by the Police and Crime Commissioner. Commissioners themselves are elected by local residents, and any complaints made to the panel about the conduct of a commissioner will be responded to in accordance with the PCP’s normal complaints procedures.”
Donna Jones, a Conservative Party politician and former leader of Portsmouth City Council, has a long history in local politics, but her recent remarks have put her in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The Police and Crime Panel, which includes representatives from local authorities across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police area, as well as two non-political members, will now be under pressure to address the growing calls for her resignation.
As the situation develops, Jones’ future as Police and Crime Commissioner remains uncertain, with many watching closely to see if she will step down or continue to face criticism for her controversial comments.
