'Standing army' of police on alert to tackle UK riots as Starmer issues warning to online criminals

Keir Starmer has called for criminals involved in riots to be identified at the earliest opportunity as he warned those whipping up hate online will be "equally" punished.

The PM announced plans for a "standing army" of specialist officers to respond to violent disorder across the country after chairing an emergency Cobra meeting. Mr Starmer issued a severe warning to those involved as he told those who are committing crimes online that arrests, charging and prosecutions would also apply to them.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Starmer said: "First is we will have a standing army of specialist officers, duty officers, so that we'll have enough officers to deal with this where we need them. The second is we'll ramp up criminal justice. There have already been hundreds of arrests. Some have appeared in courts this morning.

"I've asked for early consideration of the earliest naming and identification of those involved in the process, who will feel the full force of the law.

"Thirdly I've been absolutely clear that the criminal law applies online as well as offline and I'm assured that that is the approach taken. Whatever the apparent taken, this is not protest. This is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or the Muslim community."

Asked if social media companies should allow figures like Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate on their platforms, the PM added: "Well the message from me this morning was very clear in the Cobra meeting, which is the law applies online.

"So if you're inciting violence, it doesn't matter whether it's online or offline, and therefore I expect just as in relation to those that are directly participating on the streets, for there to be arrests and charging and prosecution. Equally anyone who has been found to have committed a criminal offence online, can expect the same response."

Concerns have been raised about pressures on the courts and prisons which are both facing huge capacity issues. Mr Starmer said the Government will "make this work" when asked if there was enough room in jails to deal with rioters.

"On the question of prisons, firstly we are monitoring it on a daily basis," he said. "I am appalled that we have been put in this position by the previous government, that it is even a discussion, that it is even a question that you have to ask me. But we will make this work and ensure that we have got the places that are needed to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice."