In August 2024, the United Kingdom experienced a wave of far-right protests and riots that spanned various cities, including Southport, London, Manchester, and Belfast.
The unrest occurred from July 30th to August 5th, 2024.
Unrest began in Southport, where protestors attacked Southport Mosque.
False claims circulated by far-right groups suggested that the perpetrator of a mass stabbing on July 29th was a Muslim and an asylum seeker.
The riots included racist attacks, further fueled by broader Islamophobic, racist, and anti-immigrant sentiments that had been growing in the years leading up to the protests.
Rioters engaged in arson and looting, causing significant damage.
These riots were the largest incident of social unrest in England since 2011.
Over 1,000 arrests were made in connection with the unrest, and more than 40 rioters were imprisoned.
At least 69 police officers and 3 police dogs were injured during the clashes.
THINKING ABOUT THE RIOTS
Study the links below and produce a report on the riots. Use the following headings:
- Causes
- Scale / nature of the riots
- Nature of government response
Tuesday 6 August 2024
The Guardian – a UK daily newspaper gives a general overview of the riots
Wednesday 7 August 2024
The BBC summarise the riots so far
22 August 2024
City St George’s sociologist explains how online disinformation, the cost-of-living crisis and nationalism fuelled the riots following Southport tragedy
Channel 4 news report on the riots
Channel 4 news on how the government has responded to the riots
BBC news – riots as terrorism