King Charles breaks silence, calls for unity after racist riots rock Britain

Monarch underscores the necessity of mutual respect, understanding to restore peace across the nation

LONDON:

King Charles has called for mutual respect and understanding following a series of racist riots targeting Muslims and migrants in Britain, according to a Buckingham Palace spokesperson on Friday. This marks the monarch’s first public intervention since the unrest began last week.

The spokesperson revealed that the king expressed gratitude to the police and emergency services for their efforts in restoring peace and praised community groups for their role in countering "the aggression and criminality from a few." The spokesperson added, "It remains His Majesty's hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation." This statement followed a telephone conversation between Charles, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and police chiefs.

King Charles, who founded the charity Princes Trust in the 1970s to support young people in finding employment and creating community projects, has continued his charitable efforts in areas affected by the riots since his coronation.

In response to the potential resumption of violence, thousands of specialised police officers are set to remain on duty over the weekend, after three days of relative calm. The riots were initially sparked by false online claims that the suspected perpetrator of a knife attack, which killed three young girls in Southport on July 29, was an migrant. The government is now considering implementing stricter regulations on social media companies to prevent such misinformation.

Following days of rioting that targeted Muslims and hotels housing migrants, Prime Minister Keir Starmer credited increased police presence and swift judicial action for deterring what he described as "far-right thugs." Anti-racist demonstrators have consistently outnumbered anti-immigrant protesters across various locations.

Emilia Finch, a 22-year-old speaking outside a hotel in Crawley, southern England, where asylum seekers are being housed, remarked, "I work with people of different origins, and they have only been kind to me – we are all equals. There is no reason why anyone should be treated differently for their skin colour."

Starmer also highlighted the effectiveness of the "significant sentences" handed down by courts on a fast-track basis. "That is a very important part of the message to anybody who is thinking about getting involved in further disorder," he stated during a visit to a police command centre in London.

As of Friday evening, 741 arrests had been made since the riots began, with 302 individuals charged. Among those sentenced, two were jailed for inciting racial hatred through social media posts.

Police have indicated that arrests are expected to continue for several months. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) announced that more than 6,000 officers trained in public order will be on duty over the weekend. NPCC Chairman Gavin Stephens described the response as "probably one of the strongest national policing responses that we've ever done, certainly in my career history."

While the exact number of anti-migrant demonstrations expected remains unclear, approximately 40 counterprotests are planned for Saturday, according to the group Stand Up to Racism. Stephens suggested that the tough policing measures and the strong community response against the riots could represent "potentially the start of a turning point."

The start of the football season this weekend could present further challenges, although no specific intelligence has indicated immediate risks. Additionally, charges have been filed against some individuals involved in counterprotests. A local councillor, suspended by the Labour Party after being recorded calling for people to "cut the throats" of "disgusting Nazi fascists," has been charged with encouraging violent disorder.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds told Sky News that the government is considering revisiting the legislative framework governing the responsibilities of social media companies concerning content that incites violence or hate.

Referring to the Online Safety Act, passed in October but not yet in effect, he stated, "We stand ready to make changes if necessary." The Act is currently undergoing a consultation process before its implementation next year.