Downing Street has dismissed reports that the Prime Minister is set to jet off on holiday this week.
Sir Keir Starmer will be working from No 10 all week as he looks to lead the response to the far-right riots that have taken place across the country.
Critics including sources close to Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick had suggested he should “cancel this Nero-esque holiday.”
The Newark MP said it would be “completely wrong for the Prime Minister to holiday while parts of Britain are burning.”
Sir Keir Starmer will work from Downing Street to combat the riots across the country
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Police officers by smashed windows after trouble flared during an anti-immigration riot outside the Holiday Inn Express
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A fire near the South Yorkshire hotel following far-right riots
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Far-right rioters hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough
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The Prime Minister held crisis talks with ministers on Saturday over the unrest, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood telling colleagues “the whole justice system is ready to deliver convictions as quickly as possible”.
There was violence on Saturday in towns and cities such as Hull, Liverpool, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Bristol, Manchester, Blackpool and Belfast which saw several police officers injured and over 90 people arrested.
Riots continued today in Middlesbrough as a group walked through a residential area smashing the windows of houses and cars. One person threw a piece of broken glass through the window of a home. One of the group used a racial slur while shouting which car “are we going to smash next?”
Another replied “because we’re English” when asked by a resident why they were breaking windows. A scuffle broke out between protesters and a small group of people whose cars were smashed.
A woman shouted “you fascist thugs” while a man who was with her shouted at police: “You’re letting them rampage through the city.”
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Rioters in Middlesbrough
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Far-right activists hold a demonstration in Middlesbrough
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Rioters in Middlesbrough
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Cleveland Police said “a number of arrests” have been made since the protest started in Middlesbrough at around 2pm.
“A number of arrests have been made. The public is asked to avoid the area,” a statement on social media said.
Meanwhile, masked anti-immigration rioters smashed windows at a Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham. Objects including pieces of wood and chairs have been thrown at the hotel and at police officers who are lined up in front of the building. At least one injured officer in riot gear was carried away by colleagues.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said on social media: “The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is 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.”
Riot police clash with anti-migration protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers
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Riot police clash with far-right protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers
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Faith leaders across Merseyside have pointed out that communities who have been hard hit by the Southport killings and the violence that has spread afterwards are trying to rebuild.
In a joint statement, they added: “The people of all faiths and none who came out to sweep the streets, to rebuild walls and have so generously donated money in memory of those three girls: that is the spirit that will help us through this incredibly challenging time.
“While the events of this week may continue to shake our belief in humanity, it remains intact. We need to remain calm and peaceful at this time and as faith leaders, we are united in our desire for peace and justice.
“Now is the time to take pride in our community spirit again. Within our different communities we pray for all those affected. And for all those injured to make a good recovery.”
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