London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The King has urged for unity and hailed the “community spirit” that opposed the riots over the last week.
What message did King Charles deliver about the recent riots?
King Charles also showed his “heartfelt thanks” to the police for fixing order, as they continue to remain on high attention for further disorder amid the beginning of the new football season.
Sir Keir Starmer had an audience with the King through a phone call, Buckingham Palace stated. Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, Chief Constable of Essex Police, carried a particular joint call with the King.
How has King Charles recognized the efforts of the police?
“In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current position and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder,” a Palace spokesperson stated. The King is also stated to have “shared how he had been greatly inspired by the many examples of community spirit that had opposed the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many”.
What are the King’s thoughts on community responses to violence?
The spokesperson said: “It remains His Majesty’s hope that communicated values of mutual respect and understanding will persist to strengthen and unite the nation.” The King is understood to wish he may be able to express more direct consent for communities impacted by riots, likely to be in the shape of a visit, but only if it were not an extra strain on police resources.
The audiences with the King have taken residence at the end of a week where screams across the UK have slowly started to disperse, though unrest has persisted more visibly in Northern Ireland.
How is Sir Keir Starmer preparing for potential further unrest?
Sir Keir has restated that police should remain on “high alert” going into the weekend, and the beginning of the football season has triggered suspicions that further unrest could be flashed.
Some newspapers have said police are considering football barring orders as investigations have indicated a link between rioters and football hooligan groups.
“My note to the police and all of those that are tasked with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert,” the Prime Minister stated during a visit to the Metropolitan Police’s special operations room in Lambeth. Sir Keir said he was “convinced” that having police officials on the streets and “the swift justice that has been distributed in our courts” have had a “real impact” on deterring further gatherings.