Angela Rayner Condemns Rotherham Riots, Urges Peaceful Expression of Grievances

In the aftermath of violent riots that shook Rotherham, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner visited the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers, a site affected by the unrest, to address the troubling events of the weekend. Rayner unequivocally condemned the actions of those involved, stating that throwing missiles and attacking public and private properties is "not the way we do politics" in the UK. The riots, described by Rayner as manifestations of "criminality and thuggish behaviour," left many in South Yorkshire feeling "afraid and scared." The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the destructive nature of the riots, which included not only assaults on police officers but also harassment directed at local residents. Over 140 individuals have been charged in connection with the violence that erupted across the UK, and Rayner underscored the government's commitment to supporting law enforcement and the judicial system in addressing these breaches of peace. During her visit, Rayner emphasized that legitimate grievances should be expressed through lawful and peaceful means, asserting that actions inciting hatred and violence—both online and offline—will not be tolerated. "If you throw missiles, if you attack people," she warned, "you will be met with the law because it is unlawful." South Yorkshire Police reported that the unrest resulted in injuries to over 50 officers, alongside damage to local property, prompting a swift response by authorities. As part of the government’s strategy to restore order, Rayner noted that there would be an increased police presence and collaboration with social media companies to mitigate the spread of inflammatory content online. She urged the public to steer clear of engagement with online materials that could incite further disorder, reinforcing the message that both online and offline criminal acts will face stringent legal repercussions. Rayner's visit and statements reflect a broader concern among government officials regarding public safety and maintaining social order in the wake of recent disturbances. With several arrests already made and ongoing investigations, the focus now turns to healing the community and ensuring that incidents of this nature do not recur, reaffirming the values that define British society.