Editorial 05 August 2024.
Monday’s front pages continue the coverage of ongoing riots sweeping across the UK as far-right protesters take to the streets in reaction to the killing of three young girls in Southport.
The protesters have destroyed buildings, fought with police, set cars on fire and looted stores.
Most of the papers feature dramatic images of the damage from the rioters. There is also front-page coverage of the Olympics – but the detailed coverage of Day 9 covers the back pages.
‘Far right on rampage’
The Metro says “Shame on you” and features a large image of a man in a Union Flag face mask.
The Daily Mirror’s front page shows a mob throwing objects at police officers with the headline “under siege.”
The Times reports that the government has increased the number of prosecutors, put courts on standby and made prison places available in preparation for the “many more” arrests which will follow in the coming days. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper writes in the paper that those who “whip up” hatred online will face the same “reckoning” as those involved in the clashes.
The Guardian also features scenes from riots alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s warning that those involved will regret their actions. The paper reports that the spokesman for senior police on public order has said a range of criminal offences were being investigated for those involved, saying social media is being used in the “incitement and encouragement” of violence. He says foreign countries are putting out disinformation and former EDL leader Tommy Robinson is “one among many.”
The Daily Mail leads on Tommy Robinson – who’s on holiday in Cyrus. The former EDL leader is pictured lounging on a sunbed by the pool. The paper says “Stoking race riots from his sunbed.” It says he has posted more than a hundred times on X throughout the weekend, with millions of views.
The Telegraph features images of the riots and reports the disorder shows no signs of abating as the rioters take to the streets in Bolton, Middlesbrough and Rotherham.