Yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister held a press conference to address the violent disorder that has followed the tragic events in Southport this week, giving his backing to police forces across the country.
With disorder expected to continue into the weekend, the government has confirmed that it will work directly in partnership with the police to crack down on violence and unrest, alongside the creation of the new National Violent Disorder Programme. This programme will bring together the best capabilities in policing from across the nation, sharing intelligence on the activities of groups causing violence, and supporting the authorities to apprehend them quickly.
Part of this intelligence will see local insight and data used to try and map out where offenders are operating, with this including British Transport Police being able to alert other authorities when a spike in train ticket sales could link to violent disorder. Another new move will see forces consider the use of facial recognition technology to target, locate and arrest criminals quickly.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“I’ve just held a meeting with senior police and law enforcement leaders where we’ve resolved to show who we are. A country that will not allow understandable fear to curdle into division and hate in our communities and that will not permit, under any circumstances a breakdown in law and order on our streets.
“Because let’s be very clear about this. It’s not protest. It’s not legitimate. It’s crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.
“And so, on behalf of the British people who expect their values and their security to be upheld, we will put a stop to it.”
Alongside the measures that will see further intelligence sharing, the programme will allow surge teams to be deployed to areas that may face organised violence. This comes after the events in Southport showed the importance of the work that the emergency services to do keep communities safe, even when faced with danger themselves – such as that on Monday night which saw fifty police officers injured by criminals.
Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, added:
“I would like to thank all the officers and first responders involved for their bravery and unity. At times like these, it is encouraging to see the way forces come together to support each other, as well as the wider public.
“All of us in public leadership or in positions of influence have a responsibility to use our platform to help bring people together. It is more important than ever for us to call out disinformation, highlight harmful practices, report and condemn criminals and work together for a better society.”
“We welcome any support which helps us to strengthen our policing capability to deal with these types of incidents. We look forward to working with government and receiving more details on the creation of a National Violent Disorder Programme and further work on tools such as Live Facial Recognition.”
Image credit: iStock
Video credit: 10 Downing Street
