Dear John,

They say “a week is a long time in politics” and that certainly has been true this week. Sadly, this isn’t as light-hearted as we usually like your Weekend Wire to be.

Nationwide Unrest

The tragic stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in the seaside town of Southport has ignited the worst civil unrest the UK has seen in over a decade. What began as a horrific act of violence has since spiralled into a nationwide wave of riots, fueled by misinformation, far-right provocateurs, and islamophobia. The violence spread rapidly across towns and cities in England and Northern Ireland, with mosques and asylum seekers' accommodations being targeted. 

In response, thousands have rallied against the riots, standing in solidarity against the hate-fueled chaos. With 3 COBRA meetings taking place, you could definitely say that Keir’s honeymoon is over (if there ever was one). As the new government scrambles to restore order, deploying specialist officers and vowing harsh penalties for those involved, communities across the UK are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

Yet, amid the turmoil, the resilience of these communities shines through, as they unite to clean up the aftermath and offer support to those affected. Best for Britain posted a twitter thread shining a light on all the hopeful stories of love and solidarity this week. 

We've made some posters available for anyone who want to send a positive message to those in your communities who are feeling vulnerable right now:

The Court of Public Opinion

A new YouGov poll shows that the vast majority of Britons condemn the recent unrest, with 85% opposing the riots and only 7% expressing any support for the violence. However, Reform UK supporters stand out as a notable exception. While still a minority, 21% of Reform voters show some level of support for the riots, compared to far lower figures among Conservatives (9%) and Labour voters (3%). However, Reform UK voters are far more sympathetic to the broader protests, with 81% backing them.

Despite this, even among Reform supporters, there is clear recognition that the rioters do not represent the views of most Britons, with only 29% believing the unrest reflects the wider population’s sentiments. This contrast highlights the deepening divide between Reform UK’s base and the broader public.

Go directly to jail. Do not pass GO. Do not collect £200.

The first televised sentencing hearings for those involved in the recent riots following the Southport tragedy have resulted in significant prison terms. John O'Malley, 43, and 69-year-old semi-retired welder William Nelson Morgan were each sentenced to 32 months in prison for their roles in the violent disorder that erupted in Southport and Liverpool. O'Malley, described by the judge as being "at the heart of the violence," was among the mob outside a mosque in Southport, while Morgan, armed with a wooden cosh, was active in the mayhem that engulfed Liverpool's streets. 

Tory turmoil

Conservative MP and leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick is under fire for suggesting that protesters chanting “Allahu Akbar” during last year’s Gaza ceasefire protests should have been "immediately arrested." His comments, widely criticised as Islamophobic by Muslim MPs and community leaders, have sparked a backlash, with accusations that Jenrick is equating all Muslims with extremism. 

Despite the criticism, Jenrick has stood by his remarks, arguing that police treated far-right protests more harshly and failed to address what he sees as extremist behaviour.  As Jenrick is supposedly one of the more moderate candidates in the race for Tory leadership, we’re left to wonder where the party is headed.

Brexit corner

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has suggested that renegotiating Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal could significantly improve Britain’s struggling economy. The think tank pointed to "Brexit uncertainty" and the effects of the pandemic as key factors behind the UK's sluggish growth and declining productivity. NIESR believes closer ties with Europe would enhance trade and attract foreign investment, providing a much-needed economic boost. We couldn’t agree more. Check out our 114 ways we can improve the Brexit deal. 

Beyond the pond

Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, are making waves in the crucial swing states of Wisconsin and Michigan, drawing massive crowds and generating significant enthusiasm. Rallies in Eau Claire and Detroit each attracted over 10,000 supporters, with the Detroit event seeing a crowd of 15,000. The rallies, filled with chants of “We’re not going back,” highlighted the Democrats’ counter to Donald Trump’s anti-abortion stance and “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Walz, praised for his down-to-earth manner and ‘common folk appeal’, was introduced to voters as a key figure who could connect with rural and Midwestern Americans. The campaign raised $36 million within 24 hours of Walz joining the ticket.

🫣 Cringe Column 😬

As always, stay safe out there!

Elsie Gisslegard
Content Executive
Best for Britain