Home Secretary Yvette Cooper delivered a statement in the House of Commons today, addressing the violent disorder that occurred across several UK towns and cities this summer. The statement highlighted the government’s response to the unrest and outlined the steps being taken to prevent future incidents.
Cooper began by expressing her sympathies to the families of Cher Maximen and Mussie Imnetu, who tragically lost their lives following violent incidents at the Notting Hill Carnival over the weekend. She commended the police for their swift action in charging suspects related to the cases.
In her statement, Cooper condemned the senseless violence that erupted in Southport on 29 July, which led to the deaths of three young girls. While the investigation into the attack is ongoing, Cooper emphasized the need for the legal process to take its course, and she praised the bravery of emergency responders who were first on the scene.
The Home Secretary expressed outrage over the violent disorder that followed the Southport attack, where police officers were attacked, and a local mosque was subjected to violence. Cooper criticized those who exploited the tragedy for criminal purposes, describing their actions as “thuggery, racism, and crime.
Cooper detailed the government’s robust response to the disorder, which included the deployment of over 40,000 police officer shifts across the country. The National Police Coordination Centre ensured that public order officers were ready to be deployed wherever needed. The Crown Prosecution Service also played a crucial role, with over 100 additional prosecutors deployed to charge offenders swiftly.
The Home Secretary announced that approximately 1,280 people have been arrested, with around 800 charges made and over 570 individuals brought before the courts for various offences, including violent disorder, assaults on emergency workers, arson, and inciting violence online.
Cooper also outlined several next steps to enhance public safety and prevent future violence. These include:
- Policing Reform: A review by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and other bodies, will strengthen coordination and intelligence systems for public order policing.
- Community Policing: The government will increase the number of neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs on the streets, aiming to rebuild trust between local communities and law enforcement.
- Counter-Extremism Measures: Cooper highlighted the need for a stronger response to extremism, both Islamist and far-right, and announced a rapid review to update the government’s strategy on combating poisonous ideologies.
- Social Media Regulation: The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology will enforce stricter measures under the Online Safety Act to hold social media companies accountable for criminal content on their platforms.
- Support for Police and Communities: The Home Office will work with Police and Crime Commissioners to ensure the effective implementation of the Riot Compensation Act and provide support through the Special Grant for Policing.
Cooper concluded by emphasizing that the criminal minority responsible for the summer’s violence does not represent the values of the UK. She praised the resilience and solidarity of communities across the country who came together to repair and rebuild in the wake of the disorder. The Home Secretary’s statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring order and ensuring public safety.
