In his first major television interview since becoming UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer appeared on BBC to address a range of urgent issues, including the rise of far-right extremism and the riots that erupted this summer.
Speaking with Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer asserted that while he does not consider the UK to be a racist country, he acknowledged that racism contributed to the recent unrest.
“I don’t believe we’re a racist nation; we’re a country of decent people,” he stated, praising the community efforts to clean up and rebuild after the disturbances.
The riots, which broke out in various locations following the tragic deaths of three children in a July attack in Southport, were denounced by Starmer as “totally illegitimate” and “unacceptable.”
The violence, which included an assault on a hotel housing migrants, was fueled by false claims that the killings were perpetrated by an immigrant.
Starmer highlighted that while strong opinions on immigration exist, violence and disorder are inexcusable. When asked about the motivations behind the riots, he attributed them to far-right influences, noting that racism was a factor, but its manifestation varied regionally.
The Prime Minister warned against far-right ideologies, labeling them as “snake oil,” or simplistic solutions to complex problems. He expressed concern over the rise of far-right extremism but remains committed to enacting substantial changes, such as improving public services like the NHS and addressing crime and immigration issues.
Reflecting on the societal impact of the riots, Starmer elaborated on his earlier comments about a “societal black hole.” He described the riots as indicative of a “broken society” that needs to be repaired.
“The riots are indefensible,” he said, “but they highlight a societal breakdown that we must address.”
To prevent future unrest, Starmer emphasized the need for a stronger police presence and expedited court proceedings. He stressed the importance of restoring control and rebuilding trust in public institutions.
