Far-right mob sets UK hotel ablaze, PM warns of consequences

'If you target a person because of colour of skin, religion this is far-right,' says Keir Starmer

LONDON:

The British prime minister on Sunday called the violent rioters "far-right thuggery," warning that those taking part in the violent disorder on the streets would "regret."

The prime minister was addressing to the nation after a large anti-immigrant protest turned violent on Sunday as far-right demonstrators attacked a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seeker, smashing windows and setting the building on fire.

In his address to the nation on the ongoing violent disorder, Keir Starmer said there is "no doubt" that those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law.

"I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly, or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves," the premier said, adding that "this is not protest," but "organized violent thuggery."

Starmer declared that it has no place on UK streets or online, citing attacks on a hotel in Rotherham in which windows were smashed, the building was set ablaze, and guests and staff were terrified.

"There is no justification, none for taking this action, and all right-minded people should be condemning this sort of violence."

A large anti-immigrant protest turned violent on Sunday as far-right demonstrators attacked a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers, smashing windows and setting the building on fire.

The incident took place just before midday and was marked by far-right demonstrators' intense clashes with police and counter-protesters.

"People in this country have a right to be safe and yet we have seen Muslim communities targeted and attacks on mosques... So, I won't shy away from calling it what it is, far-right thuggery," said Starmer.

He added: "If you target a person because of the color of skin, religion this is far-right."

'Violent attack on hotel housing asylum seekers utterly appalling'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper decried the rioters who targeted a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham, calling it "utterly appalling."

"Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. South Yorkshire Police have full Government support for the strongest action against those responsible," she noted.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also expressed concern over the incidents in Rotherham, saying that they, like other events in recent days, are "the product of far-right racist thuggery."

"Racism must be confronted whenever and wherever it appears," he wrote on X.

Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's first minister, said she spoke with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris over the phone following Saturday's attacks on communities and businesses in Belfast.

"Racism and hatred have no place—and will never have a place—on our island," O’Neill noted, adding that she is committed to continuing to work with everyone to build a better, and more inclusive future for everyone.

Rishi Sunak, leader of the opposition Conservative Party, said the "shocking scenes we’re seeing on the streets of Britain have nothing to do" with the tragedy in Southport.

"This is violent, criminal behaviour that has no place in our society. The police have our full support to deal with these criminals swiftly and they must face the full weight of the law," he added.

Earlier, authorities reported at least 100 arrests following the eruption of violence, not only in Rotherham but across the UK, with more demonstrations planned for later on Sunday.

Similar protests are expected in Bolton, Lancaster, Middlesborough, Weymouth, and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Masked rioters, some draped in England flags, gathered outside the hotel, which is known to house migrants.

Local authorities are on high alert, anticipating more violent protests across the country on Sunday.

The unrest follows the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport on Monday, an event that has further strained community relations and sparked additional episodes of disorder in towns and cities across England.