Politics

Keir Starmer visits Northern Ireland in wake of recent riots

British prime minister will discuss policing challenges with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher

Keir Starmer, visiting Stormont in July, is visiting the North again today. Photograph: Liam McBurney - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Keir Starmer, visiting Stormont in July, is visiting the North again today. Photograph: Liam McBurney - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Mon Aug 19 2024 - 09:00

British prime minister Keir Starmer will visit Northern Ireland on Monday and will discuss the recent riots there with the North’s police chief.

At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents across early August in Northern Ireland.

Bricks, petrol bombs and other missiles were thrown at officers as anti-immigration protests brought wider unrest to areas such as Belfast and Derry. Cars were set alight and a number of businesses were severely damaged.

Elsewhere, a petrol bomb was thrown at a mosque in Newtownards, Co Down.

READ MORE

Dozens of people have been arrested and charged with offences such as rioting and racially motivated hate crimes. Young children were also involved in some of the street disturbances.

Mr Starmer will arrive in Belfast on Monday, where he is expected to be briefed by PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on operational details relating to the recent unrest.

The pair will also discuss wider policing challenges in Northern Ireland as part of their second engagement since the prime minister took office.

Mr Boutcher has described the PSNI as an “outlier” in terms of funding when compared to police services in England, Scotland, Wales or the Republic of Ireland.

The PSNI requested the support of officers from Police Scotland to help with the response to the unrest, which came as PSNI numbers remain more than 1,000 officers below recommended levels.

Mr Starmer will also meet rank-and-file PSNI officers who have been involved in responding to the violent disorder in parts of Belfast.

He is also expected to meet those providing services that support vulnerable people and families in Northern Ireland. – PA