UK riots LIVE: 'Standing army' of specialist police officers ready to deal with violent protests, says Starmer

An “army” of riot police officers is being mobilised to deal with further violent protests, Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday.

After a meeting of Whitehall’s COBRA emergency committee, the Prime Minister said: “We will have a standing army of specialist officers, public duty officers, so we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them.”

He also stressed that the criminal justice system was being “ramped up” to deal with the thugs involved in the violence.

Sir Keir has triggered a special judicial system so courts can sit for 24 hours to deal with the thugs who rampaged through towns and cities in Britain.

Hundreds of people had already been arrested, with some having already appeared in court, and the Government is pushing for when the “earliest naming” and identification of those involved in the disorder can be made as they face the “full force of the law”.

Sir Keir also stressed that individuals inciting the violence online would be brought before the courts.

The announcement came after ministers held a Cobra meeting on Monday to discuss the government’s response to the riots and violent protests sweeping town and cities in the UK.

Sir Keir vowed rioters would “regret” engaging in “far-right thuggery” and promised those involved in unrest would “face the full force of the law” as he addressed the nation on Sunday after a sixth day of violence.

Follow the latest updates below...

Key Points

• Prime Minister vows 'far-right thuggery' will face full force of the law

• No excuse for 'disgraceful scenes of criminal violence' says Home Secretary

• Tommy Robinson accused of stoking riots from 'five-star Cyprus hotel'

• Two police officers injured in beach protest in Weymouth

• Police attacked by petrol bombs and fireworks as hotel damaged in Tamworth

• Around 750 far-right protesters gathered outside Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers in 'disgusting display of thuggery'

Chalk messages at Southport vigil one week on

18:55 , Tom Davidson

Children have left chalk messages on the pavement at a vigil in Southport in remembrance of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.

Families were in attendance at the peaceful vigil for the victims of the stabbing attack, with many young children dressed in pink as they left messages and flowers in front of The Atkinson arts centre in Southport town centre.

Police trawling though evidence to find asylum seeker hotel attackers

18:20 , Matt Watts

A dedicated team of detectives has been tasked with reviewing all of the available evidence relating to disorder in Stoke-on-Trent and Sunday’s attack on a hotel in Tamworth housing asylum seekers.

Staffordshire Police, which has already charged two suspects with offences, has also set up a major incident public portal (MIPP) for people to share information with police.

They said said windows of the Holiday Inn hotel had been smashed with three petrol bombs used to start fires. No-one inside was injured but a police officer sustained a suspected broken arm.

The force said in a statement: “Using our own surveillance, as well as a vast array of videos that have been shared on social media, we’re continuing to trawl rigorously through the evidence to take robust action against those involved.

“Our officers have been acting valiantly to protect the public. Six of them have been assaulted, which is completely unacceptable. Thankfully, none of their injuries are serious.”

14-year-old boy among first rioters convicted

18:10 , Matt Watts

A 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty in court on Monday to violent disorder in Liverpool on Saturday.

Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, that was sitting as a youth court, said the boy was seen by police officers among a group of eight to 12 other young people in Clayton Square, Liverpool, at about 10.30pm on August 3 setting fireworks off in the direction of members of the public and a police carrier.

He said: “They exploded underneath the police carrier.”

The court heard the boy, who cannot be named because of his age, said “I’m sorry, I wasn’t firing them at you, though”, when he was arrested by police after they gave chase.

He had five fireworks and a lighter in his possession.

The boy, whose father and uncle were in court, has no previous convictions, the court heard.

Iqbal Singh Kang, defending, said the teenager had been in the city centre to catch a bus home, and added: “He did not head into the city centre with the intention of causing any kind of disturbance or adding to the disorder.

“Without thinking things through, he became involved in something much more serious. It’s completely out of the blue.”

The boy was released on bail until August 27, when he will be sentenced.

Fears over further far-right protests in London

17:57 , Matt Watts

Reports that far-right thugs are planning protests in four London boroughs are being assessed by the Metropolitan Police.

A list is circulating on social media which appears to have been drawn up by extremists.

It includes a series of possible locations for demonstrations around the country including four in the capital.

For more information read our political editor Nic Cecil’s full report.

Northern Ireland Assembly to be recalled following Belfast disorder

17:19 , Matt Watts

The Northern Ireland Assembly is set to be recalled to discuss violent scenes following an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on Saturday.

MLAs will gather on Thursday at 12 noon to discuss a motion condemning criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days.

The motion also “rejects all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia and racism; endorses the work of voluntary sector organisations combatting racism and supporting those impacted by it”.

It also calls for action on integrating refugees and combatting racism.

The UK Parliament - which is in recess until September - is not due to reconvene to discuss the riots.

One child remains in hospital after Southport attack, say police

17:12 , Matt Watts

One child remains in hospital a week on from the Southport attack and all other patients had been discharged, a spokesman for Merseyside Police has said.Three girls – Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar – died after the knife attack at the Taylor Swift-themed event in the town.

Eight other children and two adults were seriously injured in the attack.

The violent protests and disorder in the past week were sparked over misinformation about the suspect in the killings.

378 arrests so far after disorder with number expected to rise, say police

16:22 , Matt Watts

Police have made 378 arrests so far since disorder broke out last week and the total is expected to rise each day, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said as it promised a “united and robust policing response”.

NPCC chairman Gavin Stephens said: “Every community across the country will have been affected in some way by the violent disorder we have seen in this past week.

“I want to reassure the public that a united and robust policing response is in place across the country and we are doing all we can to tackle this disorder and keep you safe.

“All forces have been requested not only to increase the number of specialist resources in their local area, but to contribute to regional reserves, coordinated nationally.

“So far 378 arrests have been made and we expect that total to rise each day as forces continue to identify those involved and continue to apprehend those responsible. Work is going on around the clock to do this and those involved will be brought to justice.

“We have been clear that this is not protest activity or people exercising their democratic right. It is unnecessary violence and we’ve seen important community hubs like a Citizen’s Advice Bureau and a library completely destroyed.”

Australia updates travel advice to its citizens

16:11 , Matt Watts

Australia has joined several other countries who have have issued safety warnings to their citizens in the UK due to anti-immigration protests and riots.

Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia have all given advice to their nationals living in or visiting the UK to stay away from demonstrations.

Australia’s government told its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution”, adding: “Avoid areas where protests are occurring due to the potential for disruption and violence”, in an update to its UK travel advice on Monday.

For a full report click here.

Violence towards most vulnerable in society was 'horrifying' says Tamworth MP

14:54 , Jacob Phillips

The Labour MP for Tamworth, Sarah Edwards, said in a statement issued that the attack on the town’s Holiday Inn Express had put lives at risk.

Urging local people to help police identify those responsible, Ms Edwards said: “It is not protest. It’s not legitimate. It is crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law.

“It was distressing to see petrol bombs and fireworks being thrown towards police and emergency workers and it was horrifying to see such violence towards the most vulnerable in our society.”

Saying such behaviour would not be tolerated, she added: “Those who are intent on stoking disorder and division are not welcome and do not speak for Britain or for Tamworth.

“It is fortunate that no one inside the hotel was injured, but rest assured those involved in the violence will face the full force of the justice system.”

'Violent thugs will face the full force of the law' says Birmingham MP

14:45 , Jacob Phillips

A Birmingham MP has warned that “violent thugs will face the full force of the law”.

Shabana Mahmood said she has been briefed by West Midlands Police on their plans to cover disorder in the city.

She also told residents to stay away from any protests and “let the police get on with their vital work”.

‘Two-tier policing’ worries are a non-issue, Prime Minister insists

14:36 , Jacob Phillips

Sir Keir Starmer has rejected claims of “two-tier policing” in Britain after Nigel Farage suggested riots over the last week have been dealt with more harshly than other recent unrest and protests.

The Prime Minister flatly denied Mr Farage’s claims as a “non-issue” and insisted policing was carried out “without fear or favour”.

But speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting called to address the unrest, Sir Keir responded: “There is no two-tier policing.

“There is policing without fear or favour – exactly as it should be, exactly what I would expect and require.

“So that is a non-issue.”

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman meanwhile told reporters: “The job of the police is to keep everyone safe, to tackle violence and disorder no matter the origination.”

Suspects as young as 14 appear in court following disorder

14:25 , Jacob Phillips

Alleged rioters have continued to appear in court throughout the day with many being refused bail.

A 14-year-old boy has pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a youth court, to violent disorder.

Joshua Sanderson-Kirk, prosecuting, said the boy was seen by police officers among a group of eight to 12 other young people in Clayton Square, Liverpool, at about 10.30pm on August 3 setting fireworks off in the direction of members of the public and a police carrier.

He said: “They exploded underneath the police carrier.”

The court heard the boy, who cannot be named because of his age, said “I’m sorry, I wasn’t firing them at you, though”, when he was arrested by police after they gave chase. He had five fireworks and a lighter in his possession.

The boy was released on bail until August 27, when he will be sentenced.

More charges announced for alleged rioters

14:08 , Matt Watts

Two people have been charged in connection with disorder in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday, Staffordshire Police have said.

Jarrod Hollinshead, 26, of no fixed address, has been charged with using threatening or abusive words and or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and Lee Bodman, 52, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with assault by beating of an emergency worker and breaching a criminal behaviour order.

They will appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on August 22.

Meanwhile following unrest in Greater Manchester seven people have been charged with possession of a weapon, including two 16-year-olds, while one person was charged with assault.

Warning illegal activity online will face 'full force of the law'

13:55 , Matt Watts

Sir Keir Starmer has warned against illegal online activities related to rioting and disorder.

The Prime Minister said following the Cobra meeting held about the riots: “I have been absolutely clear that the criminal law applies online as well as offline.

“I am assured that that is the approach that is being taken.

“Whatever the apparent motivation, this is not protest, it is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities.

“So the full force of the law will be visited on all those who are identified as having taken part in these activities.”

Social media was earlier highlighted by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as acting as a “rocket booster” for the organisation of the riots.

Sir Keir Starmer says 'standing army' of riot police to be set up

13:48 , Matt Watts

Sir Keir Starmer has said a “standing army” of specialist police officers would be set up to deal with rioting and unrest.

Speaking after an emergency Cobra meeting, the Prime Minister said: “There are a number of actions that came out of the meeting.

“The first is we will have a standing army of specialist public duty officers so that we will have enough officers to deal with this where we need them.

“The second is we will ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests, some have appeared in court this morning.

“I have asked for early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved in the process who will feel the full force of the law.”

Met chief grabs Sky News reporter's mic after being asked about 'two-tier policing'

13:08 , Jacob Phillips

This is the moment the head of the Metropolitan Police ripped a microphone cover from a reporter as they tried to ask him a question.

Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley snatched the item from a Sky News reporter as he left the Cabinet Office in Westminster on Monday morning.

Sir Mark was asked if he was going to end “two-tier policing” when he picked the item up and appeared to walk off with it.

Read more about the incident here.

Rioters face years in prison after 'swift justice' promise from Home Secretary

13:05 , Jacob Phillips

Rioters behind the worst of the violence and destruction in last week’s wave of disorder face years in prison, as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper promises a “reckoning” for those involved in the violence.

Buildings including a food bank, a library, and a Citizens Advice Bureau were set on fire, police officers were attacked, and shops were looted during six days of disorder in towns and cities across England.

Trouble first broke out in the wake of a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed children’s dance class in Southport in which three young girls died, when misinformation spread online about the identity of the attacker and protests turned to violence.

Read more about how the incidents are being dealt with here.

Suspects appear in court after far-right protests

13:01 , Jacob Phillips

Over 60 people have been placed behind bars ahead of their court trials over alleged offences during the protests.

Seventy extra prosecutors were “on hand” over the weekend to deal with cases and on Saturday there were more than 60 remand courts held, a No10 spokesman has said.They added: “The PM, Home Secretary, Justice Secretary are clear theywant to see swift justice and anyone involved in these riots to see the fullforce of the law.”

People continued to be remanded in custody on Monday and will be held in prison until their trials begin.

Curtis Coulson, 30, sobbed as he became the first person to appear before Sheffield Magistrates Court following disorder in South Yorkshire over the weekend.

Coulson wiped away tears with a tissue as he sat in the glass-fronted dock and denied affray.

The alleged offence relates to an incident outside Sheffield City Hall on Sunday in which he is alleged to have swung a stick at a woman.

Coulson was refused bail and will go on trial at the same court in September.

Jeremy Corbyn calls for Government to 'stand shoulder to shoulder with victims'

12:08 , Jacob Phillips

Jeremy Corbyn and four fellow Independent MPs have criticised Sir Keir Starmer for not going “nearly far enough in identifying the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim hatred” behind the riots on Britain’s streets.

In a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper they wrote: “At a time when gangs of violent racist thugs are targeting mosques and asylum centres, we are alarmed the Government has said they have no plans to meet with the largest body representing Muslims in the UK, the Muslim Council of Britain.

“We find it inconceivable representatives of any other faith community would be treated in a similar manner.

“Instead of pandering to those who have helped ferment the ugly racism behind these protests, we expect our Government to call out the bigotry and Islamophobia behind them and stand shoulder to shoulder with its victims.”

The five MPs also called for an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary to “discuss what actions are planned to stamp out this racist terror”.

Elon Musk claims 'civil war is inevitable' amid far-right protests

11:56 , Jacob Phillips

Elon Musk has claimed that “civil war is inevitable” in the UK after a sixth day of disorder across the country.

The billionaire Twitter owner made the comments on X beneath a clip of protesters shooting fireworks at riot police as they squared up to officers.

Last week Elon Musk engaged with right-wing activist Tommy Robinson on X, hours after the Prime Minister warned that social media “carries responsibility” for tackling misinformation which sparked disorder in parts of the UK.

Mr Musk, who owns the site formerly known as Twitter, responded with two exclamation marks to a post by Robinson – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – commenting on the Prime Minister’s response to the disorder in the wake of the Southport stabbings.

Read our latest story on Mr Musk here.

As many as 750 protesters gathered outside Rotherham hotel

11:49 , Jacob Phillips

As many as 750 “far-right and anti-immigration” protesters gathered outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham in “a disgusting display of thuggery,” South Yorkshire Police has said.

Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said an initial group of 250 people had arrived on Sunday morning, with an additional 500 joining them shortly afterwards.

She said the police believe they “held far-right and anti-immigration views”.

“At the same time, a large crowd began to gather in Sheffield city centre, diverting a large number of force resources,” Ms Butterfield added.

Speaking of the violence outside a hotel in Rotherham, she said: “There was a particularly sickening moment when a wheelie bin was pushed against the hotel and set on fire with the clear intent to cause serious harm to the residents and staff.

“It was known there were people residing and working in the hotel but the mindless individuals responsible had absolutely no regard for their safety.

“It was ultimately a disgusting display of thuggery, continuing well into the evening, with our policing operation only finishing around 5am.”

Emergency Cobra meeting appears to have finished

11:30 , Jacob Phillips

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been chairing a meeting of the Government's emergency Cobra committee amid the violent protests.The meeting appeared to have finished, with Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood leaving the Cabinet Office.

Ms Mahmood ignored questions from the press as she walked to her car outside.

At least 12 police officers injured outside hotel in Rotherham

11:23 , Jacob Phillips

At least 12 police officers were injured during disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham on Sunday.

Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield, of South Yorkshire Police, said the injuries followed “a day and night of violence and disorder”, adding: “I can confirm today that we have seen at least 12 of our officers injured with items such as bricks, fenceposts, branches and other missiles thrown at them.

“Our police dogs suffered minor injuries after missiles were launched at them and horses had bricks, eggs, bottles and beer cans thrown at their heads.

“They were spat at and threats made to cut the saddles in an attempt to injure the riders.”

Tributes continue to be made to three girls killed in Southport mass stabbing

11:20 , Jacob Phillips

People continue to leave messages and flowers at a memorial near where three young girls were killed in a mass stabbing in Southport.

Tributes continued to be made on Sunday amid the backdrop of violent protests across the country.

Seven days ago a knifeman burst into a children’s dance class themed around US singer Taylor Swift.

Parliament should be recalled to analyse 'racist anti-immigrant riots' says Diane Abbott

11:06 , Jacob Phillips

Labour MP Diane Abbott said “we don’t know” what ministers are doing to tackle rioting on Britain’s streets as she demanded Parliament be recalled.

Asked whether the Government is doing enough, the Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP told the BBC: “We don’t know what they’re doing. That’s why we need Parliament so they can be questioned on it.

“This is an extraordinarily grave situation. You’ve got people trying to burn down hostels where asylum seekers are cowering. You’ve got people attacking black and Muslim people on the street.

“We need to be able to question ministers on what exactly is being done and we want to speak up for our communities. These are racist anti-immigrant riots, and we need proper debate and proper analysis in the House of Commons.”

Ms Abbott, the first black woman elected to the Commons, added that “unless there is a serious analysis of what is happening” she believes “there is no sign of these anti-immigrant incidents abating”.

Asylum-seekers 'slept in woods' to escape rioters

10:55 , Jacob Phillips

Four Asylum-seekers slept in the woods after finding rioters smashing in the windows of a Rotherham hotel they were staying in, local security guards told Sky News.

The broadcaster reports that asylum-seekers were barricaded in their rooms as an angry mob broke down their windows.

A pregnant woman said she was terrified by the attack and asked the council if they could move her family away for the night.

'“We saw a violent far-right mob come down to attack 240 of the most vulnerable people'

10:26

Visiting the scene of the disorder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Like every decent person from this community, from my community, from South Yorkshire, from across the country, I’m horrified. I’m appalled by the violence that we saw yesterday.

“We saw a violent far-right mob come down to attack 240 of the most vulnerable people in our society and try and burn them in the hotel in which they were living.

“That is not OK and there is no excuse for it.”

Mr Coppard said: “The far right have always said to those people with little that they need to attack people with even less.

“And, that’s what we saw here yesterday: we saw 240 vulnerable people, who came here because in their own homes they have been persecuted.

“They came to our country because we are a tolerant and diverse place and they faced those similar attacks that they might have faced at home here in South Yorkshire.”

Petrol bombs thrown at Tamworth hotel

10:19 , Jacob Phillips

A police officer was hurt outside a hotel in Tamworth as officers dealt with "despicable thuggery” on a sixth day of escalating unrest in towns and cities across the UK.

A large group of individuals was in the area of the Staffordshire town, with people seen throwing projectiles, smashing windows, starting fires and targeting police on Sunday.

Police said the disorder had ended with the crowd dispersed from outside the Holiday Inn. They appealed for information to help identify people who attacked the hotel and police officers.

A force statement said: "Police officers were faced with being attacked with petrol bombs and fireworks and damage was caused to the hotel by protesters, with the lives of residents inside put at risk. Fortunately, no one inside was injured."

Read more about the incident here.

Three men arrested following disorder in Weymouth

10:17 , Jacob Phillips

Three men have been arrested following a protest and counter-demonstration in Weymouth during which two officers were injured.

One officer was hit in the face by a thrown bottle and the other was punched in the face during the protest on Sunday, Dorset Police said.

A 42-year-old man, from Yeovil, was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and a 62-year-old man, also from Yeovil, was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

A 27-year-old man, from Weymouth, was arrested for assault.

Read more about the incident here.

Tommy Robinson accused of stoking riots from 'five-star Cyprus hotel'

10:13 , Jacob Phillips

Tommy Robinson has been accused of whipping up far-right riots from a five-star hotel in Cyprus.

The right-wing agitator was accused of stoking tensions from afar after he promoted a “pro-UK” rally and appeared to defend the unrest on social media while on holiday abroad.

Far-right thugs tried to storm hotels housing asylum seekers on the sixth day of escalating disorder on Sunday.

The activist, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, left the country after committing “flagrant” contempt of court relating to a film played at a protest in central London, the High Court heard.Read our latest reporting on Tommy Robinson here.

First security chief arrives at Downing Street for Cobra meeting

09:45 , Jacob Phillips

One of the first security chiefs has arrived at Downing Street ahead of the emergency Cobra meeting.

The Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has been pictured walking heading towards Number 10.

Rioters 'will face a knock on the door and a police cell'

09:35 , Jacob Phillips

The Home Secretary has warned some rioters will be spending time in a prison cell rather than starting their holidays.

Yvette Cooper told LBC: “There will be people who are thinking they're going on their summer holiday this week, and instead they're going to be facing a knock on the door and a police cell.”

She explained that hundreds of arrests have been made already and additionalprosecutors are in place with the courts on standby.

Ms Cooper added that parliament will not be recalled at this stage but that authorities are keeping “close contact” with MPs.

Racism no different from that in 1970s and 1980s, says Tory leadership hopeful

09:25 , Jacob Phillips

Dame Priti Patel said she would not feel safe in some of the areas that have seen violent unrest, adding that the racism on display was no different from that of the 1970s and 1980s.

The former home secretary told Times Radio: “I would not feel safe in some of the areas and communities where we’ve seen racism and thuggery on our streets.

“The second point I’d like to make is I grew up with people using the P-word against me.

“And I think some of the individuals that are now involved in this violence, disorder and racism that we are seeing in parts of the country – that’s no different to the type of racism that I experienced when I was growing up, and I just think that there’s no place for that in our amazing country.”

Residents help clear up around hotel hit in Rotherham

09:19 , Jacob Phillips

Local residents joined council workers to clear up around the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Manvers, near Rotherham in South Yorkshire, on Monday morning.

Police officers stood guard outside the main entrance and at other locations around the building as teams swept up glass from the numerous broken windows at the front of the hotel.

The fire door where rioters appeared to have got into the four-storey building was boarded up but with the melted remains of a bin still in place in front.

Further damage was visible around the rear of the property where fences were ripped down, doors kicked in and more windows smashed.

Nigel Farage 'totally appalled' by levels of violence

09:09 , Jacob Phillips

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was “totally appalled” by the levels of violence seen across the country.

The right-wing politician said “the levels of intimidation and threat to life have no place in a functioning democracy”.

He also called for the army to intervene if the situation deteriorates further.

You can read his full statement below.

Courts on 'stand-by' to ensure 'swift justice'

08:53 , Jacob Phillips

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the courts are on “stand-by” to ensure “swift justice”.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We have made sure that the courts are on stand-by. We’ve made sure that there are additional prosecutors in place this weekend, and hundreds of arrests have already taken place. So we do expect swift justice to take place.”

Asked if the Army would be called upon, Ms Cooper said: “So, the police have the expertise and also the powers in terms of dealing with public order and crime, because this is crime.

“There are also significant additional numbers of public order-trained police, who were not deployed this weekend, so there are considerable additional policing resources that forces can call upon.”

Pressed on whether the Government will take action against Tommy Robinson, who has been accused of stoking tensions from afar, Ms Cooper said: “If it’s a crime offline, it’s a crime online.”

“You can’t just have the the armchair thuggery or the people being able to incite and organise violence and also not face consequences for this,” she added.

Calls for Parliament to be recalled to deal with riots

08:39 , Jacob Phillips

Former home secretary Priti Patel has called for Parliament to be recalled to deal with the outbreak of rioting across the UK.

Dame Priti, who wants to become the next Conservative leader, told Times Radio: “What we are seeing across the country right now is just extraordinary criminality.

“At the end of the day, crime and criminality is the responsibility of those who are perpetrating this and we now need to, in my view, as politicians, get some kind of grip of this, which is why I am calling for the recall of Parliament right now so that we can actually discuss these issues in a similar way…back in 2011 those discussions took place and actually we put our arm around the communities that were affected at the time.

“And I think that’s really what we should be doing right now.”

There is no excuse for 'disgraceful scenes of criminal violence' says Home Secretary

08:34 , Jacob Phillips

There is no excuse for the “thuggery” and “disgraceful criminal behaviour” taking place across England, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said: “We saw disgraceful scenes of criminal violence and thuggery in some of our towns and cities.

“There is no excuse for that kind of behaviour, throwing bricks at police officers, the targeting of mosques, the looting of shops.

“It was total disgraceful criminal behaviour, and we should be clear, there will be a reckoning those criminals will pay the price. There have already been hundreds of arrests.”

She added: “Social media companies need to take some responsibility, we also need to make sure that criminal activity online is being pursued, and I think it’s really important that none of us forget this minority of thugs do not speak for Britain.”

Rioters engaged in 'far-right thuggery' will face full force of the law, says Starmer

08:31 , Jacob Phillips

The Prime Minister vowed rioters would “regret” engaging in “far-right thuggery” and promised those involved in unrest would “face the full force of the law” as he addressed the nation on Sunday.

Sir Keir Starmer said he could “guarantee” rioters will “regret taking part in this disorder” as he condemned masked anti-immigration demonstrators who smashed windows at a hotel in South Yorkshire and set it on fire.

He vowed “we will do whatever it takes to bring these thugs to justice” as he addressed the nation on TV following a fifth day of violence across parts of the country.