Keir Starmer on policeCapability

In response to violent unrest following a tragic knife attack in Southport that killed three young girls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the perpetrators as a 'tiny mindless minority' and a 'gang of thugs' associated with far-right extremism. Following emergency talks with police chiefs, he announced the establishment of a national capability across police forces to combat violent disorder, including increased shared intelligence, enhanced facial recognition technology, and criminal behavior orders to restrict the movements of offenders. Starmer emphasized that the violence seen in cities like London, Hartlepool, and Manchester was not legitimate protest but rather criminal activity that required a robust policing response. He warned social media companies that spreading misinformation that incites violence also constitutes a crime. Over 100 arrests have been made in connection with the riots, highlighting the escalating tensions in the wake of the Southport attack. Starmer vowed to ensure that law enforcement has the necessary powers to prevent further chaos and protect communities.