Sign up for View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox
Get a free View from Westminster email
A senior Tory statement on his official website, which appears to justify some of the activities of far-right rioters in recent times, has been branded “unacceptable” by former prosecutor Nazir Afzal.
The statement by Donna Jones, the Tory police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, was in response to the riots that have taken place in Southport, Sunderland, Hull, London and Hartlepool since the killing of three girls in Southport. It was removed on Saturday night without explanation, but before it drew widespread condemnation on social media.
In it Ms Jones admitted riots and civil unrest “have risen to worrying levels”. He also noted that “the behavior of some of the protestors is very violent, very distressing and absolutely criminal.”
But he later killed prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and justified those who claimed he was pushing for a “two-tier” approach to policing, toughing on the right but not on left-wing protesters.
Ms Jones said: “The announcement of the Prime Minister’s new crime unit has led to accusations from two levels of the police, which enflamed protesters who say they are fighting to protect Britain’s sovereignty, identity and stop illegal migration.
While he added that burning the police station “is not the answer” he also called for an approach to accept some of his demands.
“I’ve spoken to people from both sides of the spectrum and the only way to stem the tide of violent disorder is to acknowledge what’s causing it,” Ms Jones said.
“Although Tuesday’s devastating attack in Southport was the catalyst, commonality among the protest groups seemed to focus on three main areas: the desire to protect British sovereignty; the need to uphold British values, and, to do this, stop illegal immigration.
He also noted that the “growing feeling across the country” has “well reflected” similar unrest in France led by the far-right of the Channel, which is seen as a defense of other activities in England.
The PCC demanded that “the government must recognize what caused the civil unrest in order to prevent it.”
Interestingly, the woman who is also chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners in England, said that arresting people and creating anti-violence units “treat the symptoms and not the cause.”
He insisted that Sir Keir and the government needed to find an answer to mass illegal migration, despite the fact that it ballooned when his party was in government, and asked what Labor was doing “to continue to raise the value of England”.
“This is the biggest challenge for Sir Keir Starmer’s government and it is coming very quickly,” Ms Jones said.
He also asked for “an understanding of the views of those who attended the rally who felt strongly but did not cause a disturbance.”
The statement appeared to be in response to a social media trend by supporters of the rally ironically tweeting #farrightthug about themselves saying the government is ignoring the views of the British people.
It was removed from the websites for Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioners because of a backlash on social media, with many claiming Ms Jones had tried to justify far-right activity in the UK. At a press conference last week, Sir Keir insisted that the far-right rally was “not a protest”.
In a tweet showing the statement, former public prosecutor Nazir Afzal called the statement “unacceptable”.
Lib Dem MP Paul Kohler added: “I trust the shadow home secretary James Cleverly and the shadow chancellor, Edward Argar, will quickly rid the party of this irresponsible statement from the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner for Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Donna . Jones.”
And Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis said: “Far from appealing to calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones trying to justify the criminality we have seen in England this week is divisive, inflammatory and irresponsible. Her position is clearly untenable.
The Independent have tried to contact Ms Jones and shadow home secretary James Cleverly.
