A new report from the Home Affairs Committee has dismissed accusations of “two-tier policing” in response to last summer’s riots in the UK. The investigation into the police handling of the disorder following the tragic murder of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport found no evidence to support claims that certain groups were policed more rigorously than others.
The report, released on Monday, concluded that the police response to violence and criminality during the riots was justified. MPs said that those participating in disorder were not policed more strongly because of their supposed political views but because they were throwing missiles, assaulting police officers, and committing arson.
During the riots, mosques, community centres, and libraries were attacked, as well as hotels housing asylum seekers. Committee chairwoman Dame Karen Bradley added that “organised disorder is rightly met with a robust response; any implied equivalence with planned non-violent protests is simply wrong.”
The report also highlighted shortfalls in national policing structures that hindered the response to the disorder. MPs recommended a boosted ability for police to monitor and respond to social media at a national level, as well as improving intelligence gathering linked to social media and the dark web.
A review into the law surrounding contempt of court was welcomed by MPs, who said it would help prevent speculation and misinformation about suspects in high-profile cases. The report also highlighted the need for improved communication between the police, Crown Prosecution Service, and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response to crises.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/two-tier-policing-keir-starmer-riots-b2732645.html