London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson after two fires hit properties linked to PM Keir Starmer as counter-terror police investigate.
As reported by The Independent, police detained a 21-year-old man on charges of attempted arson with intent to harm, after two homes linked to Keir Starmer were targeted in London.
Keir Starmer’s homes targeted in suspected attacks
Two separate fires broke out at Keir Starmer-linked properties in north London within 24 hours, sparking alarm as emergency teams responded overnight.
Authorities are examining if the fires are linked. Counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation due to the high-profile nature of the properties involved.
As part of the inquiry, Scotland Yard is investigating a vehicle fire that occurred on May 8. A police cordon and London Fire Brigade investigators were seen outside a Kentish Town property on Monday, previously occupied by the prime minister.
It’s understood that Sir Keir still holds ownership of the Kentish Town property, yet resides at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Downing Street.
Met Police stance on counter-terrorism investigation into Keir Starmer’s fires
A Met Police spokesperson stated,
“As a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire.”
They added,
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish what caused it. All three fires are being treated as suspicious at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.”
PM’s official spokesman’s views on the investigation into the London fires
The prime minister’s official spokesman stated,
“I can only say that the prime minister thanks the emergency services for their work and it is subject to a live investigation. So I can’t comment any further.”
What did Yvette Cooper say about the ongoing police investigation into London fires?
Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, stated she had received a briefing on the incidents.
She told BBC Breakfast,
“You are right that the police are investigating these incidents, and they have my full support in doing so.”
Ms Cooper said,
“I have been briefed about these incidents but you will understand, as home secretary I obviously cannot comment in any detail on the investigations that are ongoing. We need to support the police in those investigations. The prime minister has thanked the emergency services.”
She added,
“We really do have excellent police teams in this country who work on these investigations, and we will support them in that work.”
What did Robert Jenrick say about the protection of public figures?
Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick stated it is
“important that the prime minister and anyone in public life has their family, their homes, protected.”
He said,
“We have robust disagreements in politics but I want to ensure anyone who chooses to go into public life feels that they’ll be properly protected and that we have civility in our debate”, adding, “It is absolutely wrong, disgraceful, for any individual to take the kind of action that we saw against the prime minister’s home.”
List of attacks on UK prime minister’s properties
- 2023: Egg thrown at Rishi Sunak’s home.
- 2021: Bricks thrown at Boris Johnson’s Downing Street flat.
- 2020: Car ramming attempt near Downing Street.
- 2019: Egg thrown at Boris Johnson in Leeds.
- 2017: Flares and smoke bombs outside Downing Street.
- 2011: Protesters smash David Cameron’s car windows.
- 1991: IRA mortar attack on Downing Street (John Major).
- 1984: IRA Brighton bomb targets Margaret Thatcher (5 killed).