London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Sadiq Khan has argued with Londoners to check on their mates and neighbours, as Muslims and minority ethnic people have been left terrified after the recent screams.
What Did Mayor Sadiq Khan Urge Londoners to Do?
The mayor of London stated he was aware of specific areas that may be targeted in the city on Wednesday and has cautioned: “Anyone thinking of spreading hatred and fear in our city: if you break the law, action will be taken against you”. Khan went further and stated that “acts of violence and disorder on the streets of London will not be tolerated”. He stated anyone found to have perpetrated a crime “will be arrested and face the full force of law”.
How Did Khan Respond to the Recent Surge in Violence?
“The chaos, racism and violence that we have seen in towns and cities across the country in the last week have been truly shocking,” Khan said. “I know the unexpected scenes have left many Muslims and minority ethnic communities fearful and fearful, so I request my fellow Londoners to check on their companions and neighbours and offer them that care and compassion is what Londoners are all about.
“In London, we have zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hate and we pride ourselves on being open, diverse and welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds. It’s woven deeply into the fabric of our great city and is why those who seek to divide our communities will never win.”
How Did Communities Minister Jim McMahon React to the Situation?
The communities minister, Jim McMahon, admitted that people across the country were “feeling very nervous” amid fears of further screams on Wednesday after the location of immigration advice camps was shared on chat groups as potential targets. McMahon advised people to be “vigilant”, adding: “It doesn’t matter what the cause or reason is – if somebody breaks the law and forces damage and intimidation, they will be dealt with.”
The minister avoided questions on whether the government was contemplating shutting down the social media app Telegram, which has been blamed for providing a platform for organising riots in the UK.
He also declined to detail how Keir Starmer would react to Elon Musk, the owner of X, who called the prime minister “two-tier Keir” in a series of tweets on Tuesday about the assertion that police are ministering white far-right “protesters” more severely than minority groups, saying ministers were concentrated on “dealing with disturbances”.
How Did Sir Thomas Winsor Critique Social Media Companies?
Sir Thomas Winsor, a former HM chief inspector of constabulary, stated there should be “criminal liability” for senior executives at social media companies who accept “harmful material” and the incitement of offences on their websites. He stated Musk should “stick to batteries, cars and rockets because he’s very suitable at it and leave to the UK authorities the position of dealing with the protection of the safety and security of our communities”.