Immigration lawyers ‘at risk’

Britain sees quieter night after week of violence

August 07, 2024
British Bangladeshi community deeply anxas
  • police remain ready

After a week of violent turmoil, police are nonetheless prepared for disturbances even though Tuesday night was rather quiet. Even though dispersal orders were issued by police in Durham and Liverpool to quell any disturbances, Tuesday night's events were devoid of the violent scenes that have been repeated throughout Britain since the first disruptions in Southport a week ago.After a week of violent turmoil, police are nonetheless prepared for disturbances even though Tuesday night was rather quiet. Even though dispersal orders were issued by police in Durham and Liverpool to quell any disturbances, Tuesday night's events were devoid of the violent scenes that have been repeated throughout Britain since the first disruptions in Southport a week ago.

However, despite indications of at least 30 potential meetings and threats against immigration law experts, some of whom have either closed their doors or accepted offers of extra police protection, police are nonetheless bracing for a busy day on Wednesday. A list of potential gathering locations, including law offices and advisory services, has been circulated in chat groups. The message encourages participants to "mask up" if they choose to attend. Tell Mama, a UK-based organisation that tracks Islamophobia, announced that it has informed law enforcement and counterterrorism about the "far-right threats." Such events are a "direct assault on our legal profession," according to the Law Society of England and Wales, and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that threats against attorneys are "unacceptable".

Around 100 people have already been charged in connection with the recent disturbances, and charges continued to be brought on Tuesday night with defendants expected in court on Wednesday.

Overnight, two 38-year-old men were charged with violent disorder in connection with unrest in Southport and Liverpool.

Sir Keir Starmer praised the criminal justice system's swift response to a disorder, predicting sentencing for some involved by the end of the week. He reassured communities and promised to provide support for police forces. However, the government has faced criticism from right-wingers and Elon Musk, who claims the police handled the disorder more harshly than if it involved ethnic minorities. Former home secretary Dame Priti Patel called for Sir Keir to recall Parliament to respond to these claims.