Police Chief Urges Calm Amid UK Violence Over Southport Tragedy
Donna Jones, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has issued a desperate plea for peace following violent protests sweeping the UK. The unrest erupted after the shocking murder of three children in Southport on Tuesday, sparking chaos, injuries, and widespread damage.
Riots Rage Across the Nation
Jones warned the situation has spiralled out of control. “Rioting and civil unrest have escalated to a worrying level,” she said. “Police officers have been hurt. Buildings were attacked because of who lives or worships there. Police vehicles have even been set ablaze.”
Damage runs into millions of pounds, with over 100 arrests and more expected. Police stations are burning, annual leave for officers has been cancelled, and riot squads are deployed from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
“The behaviour of some protesters has been extremely violent, distressing, and criminal,” Jones added.
Political Tensions Fuel Unrest
More protests are planned across the country this weekend, driven by heated political and ideological divides. The Prime Minister’s announcement of new Violent Crime Units has fuelled claims of unfair policing, sparking anger among those protesting Britain’s sovereignty, identity, and immigration policies.
Jones said, “Burning towns and attacking police is not the answer. We must ask, how do we stop this?” She urged acknowledgement of what’s driving the unrest.
Root Causes Must Be Addressed, Says Jones
Identifying three core issues, Jones blamed the protests on fears over protecting British sovereignty, maintaining core British values, and stopping illegal immigration. She highlighted a similar anti-immigration backlash seen recently in France.
“The government must face up to what’s causing this civil unrest. Arrests and new policing units only treat symptoms, not the root causes,” said Jones.
She pressed for answers on government immigration policy and how the Labour government under Sir Keir Starmer plans to uphold British values in the face of these challenges.
Jones confirmed she is urgently raising these concerns with the Prime Minister and Home Secretary. She called for unity to end the violence while listening to peaceful protesters who have genuine concerns.
“We need to stop this mindless criminal behaviour by a few, while respecting those who attend rallies peacefully,” she warned.
As unrest threatens to engulf more towns this weekend, Jones’ call for calm and honest dialogue aims to cool tempers and find a lasting solution to both immediate security problems and the deeper divisions shaking the nation.
