Current:Home > StocksKing Charles III applauds people who stood against racism during recent unrest in the UK -TrueNorth Finance Path
King Charles III applauds people who stood against racism during recent unrest in the UK
View
Date:2025-04-15 14:23:46
LONDON (AP) — King Charles III applauded people who took to the streets of British towns and cities earlier this week to help blunt days of unrest fueled by far-right activists and misinformation about a stabbing attack that killed three girls.
Charles on Friday held telephone audiences with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and law enforcement officials during which he offered his “heartfelt thanks” to police and other emergency workers for their efforts to restore order and help those affected by the violence, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
“The king shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many,” the palace said. “It remains his majesty’s hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation.”
Thousands of anti-racism campaigners turned out in communities throughout Britain to counter any resurgence of violence on Saturday. Police remained on alert for further unrest after the nation was convulsed by rioting for more than a week as crowds spouting anti-immigrant and Islamophobic slogans attacked mosques, looted shops and clashed with police.
The disturbances have been fueled by right-wing activists using social media to spread misinformation about the July 29 knife attack in which three girls between the ages of 6 and 9 were killed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport, a seaside town north of Liverpool.
Police detained a 17-year-old suspect. Rumors, later debunked, quickly circulated on social media that the suspect was an asylum-seeker, or a Muslim immigrant.
On Saturday, the family of one of the Southport victims, Bebe King, 6, thanked their community, friends and even strangers who had offered the family solace in their grief.
“The outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond has been a source of incredible comfort during this unimaginably difficult time,’' they wrote. ”From the pink lights illuminating Sefton and Liverpool, to the pink bows, flowers, balloons, cards, and candles left in her memory, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown to our family.’'
The unrest has largely dissipated since Wednesday night, when a wave of expected far-right demonstrations failed to materialize after thousands of peaceful protesters flocked to locations around the U.K. to show their support for immigrants and asylum-seekers.
Police had prepared for confrontations at more than 100 locations after right-wing groups circulated lists of potential targets on social media. While anti-racism groups planned counterprotests in response, in most places they reclaimed the streets with nothing to oppose.
Starmer has insisted the police will remain on high alert this weekend, which marks the beginning of the professional soccer season. Authorities have been studying whether there is a link between the rioters and groups of “football hooligans” known to incite trouble at soccer matches.
“My message to the police and all of those that are charged with responding to disorder is maintain that high alert,” Starmer said on Friday while visiting the special operations room of London’s Metropolitan Police Service.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council said some 741 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, including 304 who have been charged with criminal offenses.
Courts around the country have already begun hearing the cases of those charged in relation to the unrest, with some receiving sentences of three years in prison.
Starmer has said he is convinced that the “swift justice that has been dispensed in our courts” will discourage rioters from returning to the streets this weekend.
veryGood! (1938)
Related
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Anger grows in Ukraine’s port city of Odesa after Russian bombardment hits beloved historic sites
- 16-year-old dies while operating equipment at Mississippi poultry plant
- Need workers? Why not charter a private jet?
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- To Counter Global Warming, Focus Far More on Methane, a New Study Recommends
- Influencer says Miranda Lambert embarrassed her by calling her out — but she just wanted to enjoy the show
- Got a question for Twitter's press team? The answer will be a poop emoji
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- For 40 years, Silicon Valley Bank was a tech industry icon. It collapsed in just days
Ranking
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Justice Department opens probe into Silicon Valley Bank after its sudden collapse
- Video: Carolina Tribe Fighting Big Poultry Joined Activists Pushing Administration to Act on Climate and Justice
- Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson's Love Story Is Some Fairytale Bliss
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- The Fires That Raged on This Greek Island Are Out. Now Northern Evia Faces a Long Road to Recovery
- On U.S. East Coast, Has Offshore Wind’s Moment Finally Arrived?
- A Climate Progressive Leads a Crowded Democratic Field for Pittsburgh’s 12th Congressional District Seat
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Inside Clean Energy: 10 Years After Fukushima, Safety Is Not the Biggest Problem for the US Nuclear Industry
Travis King's family opens up about U.S. soldier in North Korean custody after willfully crossing DMZ
The FDIC was created exactly for this kind of crisis. Here's the history
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Santa Barbara’s paper, one of California’s oldest, stops publishing after owner declares bankruptcy
16 Michigan residents face felony charges for fake electors scheme after 2020 election
Two teachers called out far-right activities at their German school. Then they had to leave town.