THE COUNTRY’S most secretive military unit has been called in to help security services as a sickening wave of violence swept across Britain in the wake of the horror attack in Southport.
The Defence Human Intelligence Unit will provide MI5 with vital information by infiltrating far-Right groups believed to be behind much of the rioting since three girls were murdered at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last Monday.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is also preparing plans to call in the Army if rioting continues to hit the country and leave police forces overwhelmed and exhausted. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed police to take “all necessary action to keep our streets safe” as he spoke with Cabinet colleagues at an emergency meeting.
Yesterday’s meeting heard that some violent offenders have already been remanded in custody. Ms Cooper vowed guilty thugs would feel the “full force of the law” including prison.
The UK Football Policing Unit, which includes Right-wing extremists among the hooligans it targets, is also being re-purposed to focus on current events, sources say.
Sir Keir was joined by his deputy Angela Rayner, Ms Cooper, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson for the emergency conference call.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister set out that the police have our full support to take action against extremists on our streets who are attacking officers, disrupting businesses and attempting to sow hate by intimidating communities.
“The Home Secretary updated on the ongoing police response to outbreaks of disorder. She said we will work with them to ensure there are consequences, arrests and prosecutions for those responsible.”
MPs have called for the courts to take the lead from the recent prosecution of Just Stop Oil protesters which saw long jail sentences handed out.
This story is from the August 04, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
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This story is from the August 04, 2024 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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