‘Racist thuggery’ has no place in UK, says PM Johnson

London, June 14

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said “racist thuggery” has no place in UK streets after far-right protests in central London turned violent, resulting in over 100 people being arrested.

‘Guidelines being breached’

These marches and protests have been subverted by violence and breach current guidelines. Racism has no part in the UK and we must work together to make that a reality. — Boris Johnson, UK PM

Scotland Yard said six of its officers had sustained injuries as the force had imposed restrictions and used search powers to contain the large crowds gathered near Parliament Square, claiming to be out in force to “guard our monuments”, on Saturday. Violent clashes involved protesters hurling bottles, cans and flares towards the Metropolitan Police officers on duty, many in riot gear. “Racist thuggery has no place in our streets. Anyone attacking the police will be met with full force of the law,” said Johnson. “These marches and protests have been subverted by violence and breach current guidelines. Racism has no part in the UK and we must work together to make that a reality,” he said, as thousands ignored the social distancing norms in place to curb the spread of Covid. A further arrest was made on Sunday after footage emerged of a man urinating near a memorial of Police Constable Keith Palmer, who was killed in the 2017 terrorist attack outside the Houses of Parliament. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the “desecration” of the memorial was “utterly shameful”. “We are aware of a disgusting and abhorrent image circulating on social media of a man appearing to urinate on a memorial to PC Palmer,” said Met Police Commander Bas Javid. — PTI