UK's Starmer vows 'swift criminal sanctions' for rioters 

A police officer stands outside 10 Downing Street on the day British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds an emergency Cobra meeting following violent anti-immigration protests, in London, Aug. 5, 2024. Protestors throw a garbage bin on fire outside a hotel in Rotherham, Britain, Aug. 4, 2024. A man waters the floral tribute in Southport, Aug. 5, 2024 after three young girls were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club last week.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday vowed "swift criminal sanctions" following an emergency meeting on the far-right riots that broke out across England last week over the murder of three children. The prime minister met with ministers and police chiefs, including Scotland Yard boss Mark Rowley, to discuss how to quell the violence that first broke out in Southport, northwest England, on Tuesday. Over the weekend, several police officers were injured and scores of people were arrested as mobs throwing bricks and flares clashed with officers, burnt and looted shops, and smashed the windows of cars and homes.