Following national unrest police are preparing for more riots across England with reports that at least 30 protests could be planned for Wednesday 7th August. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that a “standing army” of specialist police would be set up to deal with rioting and that the justice system would be ramped up – “Whatever the apparent motivation, this is not protest. It is pure violence and we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or our Muslim communities”.
On Tuesday, 6th August, over 30 representatives including service providers, businesses, educational institutions, faith groups and community organisations gathered at Luton Town Hall for an emergency cohesion meeting. Led by Bedfordshire Police, regional planning committees have been established to gather intelligence, reassure the public, safeguard communities, and prevent disorder. This proactive approach includes identifying vulnerable areas and monitoring hate crimes with daily check-ins. Along with national coordination, all surveillance resources are being utilised to maintain peace.
Luton is renowned for its strong community relations, and it is essential that everyone works together to protect all members of the community, especially the vulnerable. It is important to remain vigilant and avoid provocation or vigilantism. Currently, there is no indication of a demonstration planned for Luton, and the public is advised to avoid attending counter-demonstrations.
Community members are encouraged to report any information about future protests by calling 101. For incidents in progress, they should call 999 immediately.
Councillor Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Council, and John Tizard, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, have reassured local communities following violent disorders in other cities. They stated, “We have watched the deplorable violent events targeting minority communities and the police with grave concern. It is crucial to understand that the perpetrators of these violent and hateful acts are using disinformation to spread fear and divert resources. Avoid sharing unverified information widely. Bedfordshire Police will communicate any credible threats directly with community partners and, if necessary, the wider community.”
Imam Rayhan, Chair of the Luton Council of Mosques, stated, “We stand firmly against Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred, and racism, which are driving the violence against our minority communities. The harm we are witnessing today is a direct consequence of the normalisation of Islamophobia and racism by mainstream politicians and the media, who have misrepresented and scapegoated our communities for years.
We are united in our commitment to peace and community cohesion. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure our safety. Together, we can maintain a strong, peaceful, and resilient community.”
By working together responsibly, the community can minimize tensions, reduce the risk of disorder, and maintain a safe and unified environment for all.
For more verified information and updates, check Bedfordshire Police news.
