Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has rejected requests to recall Parliament to discuss the violent protests happening nationwide. Politicians like former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel, Labour MP Diane Abbott, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage are asking Sir Keir to end the parliamentary break early.
Dame Priti, who is running for Conservative leader, said there were “many practical things” MPs could do if Parliament were recalled. However, Sir Keir stated that his priority is stopping the unrest and ensuring street safety.
He made these remarks after an emergency Cobra meeting with ministers and law enforcement officials.
He said a team of specialist police officers was ready, and the criminal justice system would be strengthened to charge those involved in the disorder. He also stressed that “criminal law applies online as well as offline.” Earlier, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized social media firms for being too slow in removing “criminal material” from their platforms.
Parliament is currently on recess, but the government can ask the Speaker to recall MPs for important events. Over the past decade, Parliament has been recalled six times for events like the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and the death of Prince Philip. After the 2011 riots in London and other cities, Parliament was recalled for a day.
Speaking to Times Radio, Dame Priti said politicians needed to “get a grip on this,” which is why she is calling for Parliament to be recalled to discuss these issues. She mentioned that local authorities and the police are under pressure and need more support.
However, other Tory leadership candidates Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly do not support a recall. Mr. Cleverly told BBC Radio 4 that a recall was unnecessary as MPs were already receiving the necessary information. “There’s nothing that needs to be voted on, there are no additional powers needed,” he said.
Supporting a recall, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said, “This is a very serious situation. People are trying to burn down hostels where asylum seekers are hiding, and attacking black and Muslim people on the streets. We need to question ministers on what is being done and speak up for our communities.” Another Labour MP, Dawn Butler, said, “It may be time to recall Parliament. This violence needs to stop.”
Reform UK leader and MP Nigel Farage said there needed to be “a more honest debate” about immigration and policing and that recalling Parliament would be “a good start.” Last week, Mr. Farage denied accusations that he had incited rioters by questioning if “the truth is being withheld from us” after police said the Southport attack was not considered a terror incident.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey supported the government’s measures and added, “People from all backgrounds have come together to condemn these riots and clean up the damage – they represent Britain, not the rioters and those who incited them.”
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, has written to the Home Secretary calling for an urgent meeting to discuss actions to stop “this racist terror.” In a joint letter with four other independent MPs, Mr. Corbyn urged the government not to “support those spreading hatred and division.”
The Green Party blamed the disorder on “racism and Islamophobia” and urged the government to “celebrate and protect our Muslim citizens and their place in our diverse society.”
Published: 6th August 2024
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