Disinformation stokes UK far-right Islamophobic rage in wake of Southport killings

epa11508541 People leave tributes at the scene of a stabbing attack on Hart Street in Southport, Britain, 30 July 2024. Merseyside Police confirmed on 30 July that a third child aged 9 has died as a result of a knife attack in Southport the previous day, and confirmed that the other two victims were ages six and seven respectively. Five other children and two adults remain in critical condition. Armed police detained a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, while the motivation for the attack was not being treated as terrorist related. EPA-EFE/ADAM VAUGHAN

People leave tributes at the scene of a stabbing attack on Hart Street in Southport, Britain, on July 30.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Jonathan Eyal

LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised swift punishment for demonstrators engaged in acts of violence against ethnic minorities and places of worship.

“I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder,” Mr Starmer vowed on Aug 4 in a speech to the nation at the conclusion of a turbulent week, during which thugs and hooligans chanting Islamophobic slogans fought with police in various English cities, setting fire to cars and buildings and attacking mosques.

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