Police chief urges Keir Starmer to be honest about 'causes of civil unrest'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been urged by the Tory chairwoman of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners to acknowledge the widespread discontent which she says is fuelling protests across the UK this week.

In remarks initially shared on her organisation's website, Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said it was time for an honest discussion about the underlying factors.

Her statement, which appeared to have been deleted from the site, was today shared by the Conservative Post website and triggered criticism from Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester Danny Chambers and Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal.

She said: "The government must acknowledge what is causing this civil unrest in order to prevent it.

"Arresting people, or creating violent disorder units, is treating the symptom and not the cause.

"The questions these people want answering; what is the government’s solution to mass uncontrolled immigration? How are the new Labour government going to uphold and build on British values? This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Kier Starmer’s government, and its bitten quickly.

"As a national police leader, and a Police and Crime Commissioner, someone who has spent almost two decades representing the public, this is the clear message I will put to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary this week."

Commenting, Mr Chambers said he was "deeply concerned", adding: "These extreme views make her totally unsuitable to hold this position of responsibility."

Mr Afzal added: "I, as a former CEO of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, would have heavily advised against a current PCC, let alone the chair, appearing to justify rioting and criminality that police officers are bravely having to deal with right now. Totally unacceptable.”

More than 90 people have been arrested so far amid rioting in major cities across the nation including Liverpool, Hull and Stoke, triggered by bogus claims that the teenager who murdered three children in Southport on Monday was a Syrian migrant.

In a speech last week after public disorder in Southport, Hartlepool and Westminster, Sir Keir said: "These thugs are mobile, they move from community to community, and we must have a police response that can do the same.

"We will take all necessary action to keep our streets safe", the PM continued.

"Mosques being attacked because they're mosques - the far right are showing who they are. We have to show who we are in response to that.”

Speaking last night, Chief Constable BJ Harrington of the National Police Chiefs' Council said: "This week we have seen appalling behaviour that in no way shows compassion or respect for the little girls who were killed and injured last week.

"It shows no respect for our communities, and it will be stopped.

"We know people will try and do this again in the coming days and policing has been and will continue to be ready.

"There are 130 extra units in place across the country, meaning almost 4,000 extra public order-trained officers to deploy.

"So if you're planning to cause trouble and disorder our message is very simple - we'll be watching you. Anyone committing a criminal offence will be detained and brought before the courts.

"In recent days we have seen criminals masquerading as protesters, causing senseless destruction.

"These people are not protesters, they're violent thugs - and many have already been arrested and charged."

There was more violence today, with protestors in Rotherham trying to set fire to a hotel used to accomodate asylum seekers, and skirmishes in Bolton.