UK govt’s failure to resolve migrant crisis fuels violence

Amid the UK government's inability to find a solution to the migrant crisis, recent tragic developments in the seaside town of Southport served to fuel anti-migrant anger to new highs.

Britain is reeling from the latest wave of interethnic violence. Protests have been triggered by the tragedy in Southport, where a 17-year-old teen of Rwandan origin stabbed to death three girls – aged 6, 7 and 9 – at a dance and yoga session on 29 July. Eight children and two adults received injuries. The motives for the attack remain unclear.

During ensuing protests involving everyone from football fans to activists of the right-wing English Defence League (EDL), a local mosque was attacked in Southport. On Friday, Northumbria Police had three of their officers injured as police premises were ransacked, a building and a car were set on fire, and bricks were lobbed at riot police. Other locations, including London, Hartlepool, Manchester, and Aldershot have also witnessed violent protests. Flares were lit near British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s residence on Downing Street in central London on Wednesday (31 July) evening, with crowds chanting “We want our country back.”