Policing Minister says forces have 'all the resources they need' to tackle riots

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson has said that forces have "all the resources they need" following mass protests across the country this weekend.

Following initial violent protests in Southport on Monday (July 29th), several demonstrations took place in other cities across the country, including London, Manchester, Nottingham and Leeds.

It is believed that courts could be told to sit "overnight" as a way of processing the number of people arrested at the protests that have sprung up across the UK.

Dame Diana said that this would be done to ensure that the "thugs" who "maraud our streets" will be brought to justice, as forces can use their powers to recruit extra officers where needed.

Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has said he is giving his "full backing" for the police to take any action necessary to apprehending what he called "extremists".

It comes following a wave of protests over the weekend across England and in Northern Ireland.

Tense scenes were seen in cities such as Manchester, Nottingham, Leeds and Liverpool as hundreds came out to take part in demonstrations under the theme of "Enough is Enough".

Similarly in Hull, violent scenes erupted when a man was dragged from a car by protestors, leading to a heavy police response.

In Northern Ireland, clashing protests and counter-demonstrations hurled missiles and flares, as an enhanced police presence descended on the city centre, with a particular focus on the City Hall.

Minister Dame Diana said that additional support has been offered to forces, but these have been rejected.

"The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment... they have the powers that they need," she said in an interview.

"There is no need to bring in the Army and there has been no discussion about that. They have long-standing plans in place for mutual aid if they need to put extra police officers into certain parts of the country."

In total, over 200 people have been arrested following the demonstrations. with more protests planned over the coming days.

Sunday is set to see further gatherings, with Greater Manchester Police implementing a Section 34 dispersal order in Bolton ahead of a planned demonstration.

As well as this, outstanding dispersal orders brought out in both Liverpool and Southport have been extended due to anticipated protests expected to take place on Sunday evening.

Disruption has also been seen in the Middlesborough area, with reports of rioting also taking place across the town.

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