In a season marked by violent upheaval, the police’s failure to identify and address critical warning signs within their communities has come under intense scrutiny. A newly published report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reveals systemic shortcomings in the preparedness and response of police forces during this summer’s far-right riots. From overlooked intelligence to instances of officer bias, the situation underscores the urgent need for reform in policing practices to prevent future unrest.
A Chaotic Summer of Violence
The riots erupted in the aftermath of a horrific knife attack in Southport, Merseyside, which claimed the lives of three schoolgirls. This tragic incident served as a catalyst for far-right groups to exploit public anger and grief, spreading incendiary rhetoric through social media and darker corners of the internet. Violence soon engulfed multiple cities, with significant unrest reported in Leeds, Cardiff, and London. These events culminated in days of lawlessness, with rioters targeting community landmarks and even emergency services.
One of the most harrowing scenes unfolded in Walton, Merseyside, where a community library was set ablaze by rioters. Despite such chaos, police were lauded for their bravery in protecting the public, even as 302 officers were injured, 50 of whom required hospitalisation. Yet, the HMICFRS report paints a damning picture of systemic failures that exacerbated the crisis.
Delayed Mobilisation and Intelligence Gaps
The report identifies the police’s late implementation of a national mobilisation plan as a critical misstep. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) activated the plan on 6 August, four days after the initial outbreaks of violence. This delay left officers stretched thin, exposed to unrelenting assaults, and unable to employ more effective crowd control tactics.
Perhaps more troubling is the report’s finding that police forces failed to recognise the significance of precursor events. Demonstrations led by extremist figures like Tommy Robinson, unrest on Armistice Day, and sporadic violence in cities like Leeds and Cardiff were dismissed as isolated incidents rather than interconnected warnings. HMICFRS concluded that these events demonstrated “extreme nationalist sentiment, aggravated activism, or serious disorder,” but this threat assessment was absent from intelligence reviews.
The police’s inability to monitor and interpret social media activity further widened these intelligence gaps. Platforms such as Telegram and other dark web forums served as hubs for far-right organisers to coordinate activities, yet police monitoring was either insufficient or reactive. The report suggests that this failure to harness digital intelligence left forces blind to the scale of the looming threat.
Unprepared and Vulnerable
Compounding these issues was the poor tactical preparation of officers on the ground. The inspectorate highlighted flaws in the dress code issued by commanders, which left frontline officers vulnerable to injury. Andy Cooke, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary, criticised the lack of resources and delayed reinforcements, stating, “Officers shouldn’t have to stand there and be subjected to that level of barrage. Policing needs to look again at how quickly it mobilises more resources.”
Despite these failures, the rapid identification and prosecution of hundreds of rioters helped restore order. However, the process was reactive rather than preventative. Police efforts during the riots were described as “immensely brave,” but bravery alone cannot compensate for systemic inefficiencies. Intelligence from the community was too often ignored and investigations are ongoing as to the causes.
Sympathy with Far-Right Ideologies
The issue is further complicated by allegations of far-right sympathies within the police ranks. While the majority of officers uphold their duty to serve all members of society, instances of bias and unprofessional behaviour have eroded public trust. There are documented cases of police officers engaging with far-right ideologies online, expressing sympathetic views and withholding critical information about known individuals, which can compromise impartiality during enforcement.
Such biases are not new. Historical examples, including the disproportionate policing of minority communities, have long cast a shadow over British policing. During the summer riots, minority officers and female officers were disproportionately targeted in violent confrontations, yet there remains a lack of internal accountability to address biases within the force. This double standard not only undermines the credibility of law enforcement but also emboldens extremist groups.
The Role of Social Media and Misinformation
The upcoming spring report from HMICFRS will delve into the role of social media misinformation in fuelling the unrest. Early findings suggest that far-right groups capitalised on platforms to spread false narratives, inflaming tensions and directing mobs towards vulnerable targets such as migrant housing. Police efforts to counter these digital campaigns have been slow and fragmented, highlighting a critical need for specialised cyber units trained to counter online radicalisation.
The Community Impact
In the aftermath of the riots, communities like Walton, Weymouth, and Portland have begun to rebuild. In Walton, the reopening of the Spellow Community Hub and Library symbolising resilience. Alicia Smith, head of libraries for the city council, praised emergency services for their efforts but acknowledged the immense challenges they faced. In Weymouth and Portland, the community, having been divided, is now uniting to fight the imposition of a waste incinerator in the borough.
Yet, the scars left by the riots run deep. Many community leaders have criticised the police for not engaging with local concerns before the unrest. Activists argue that the lack of trust between marginalised communities and law enforcement has created a vacuum where extremist rhetoric thrives.
Learning from Failure
The HMICFRS report offers a blueprint for reform, starting with the need for a proactive rather than reactive approach to public order policing. Key recommendations include:
- Enhanced Intelligence Gathering: Police must improve their capacity to monitor and interpret social media trends, particularly in identifying extremist networks. This requires investment in technology and collaboration with tech platforms to counter misinformation effectively.
- Bias Training and Accountability: Addressing far-right sympathies within the force is critical. Comprehensive training on recognising and mitigating bias, alongside robust internal accountability mechanisms, is essential.
- Faster Mobilisation Plans: Delayed national responses must be avoided in the future. Streamlined communication and resource allocation can ensure rapid deployment during crises.
- Community Engagement: Building trust with diverse communities can act as a buffer against extremism. Establishing local advisory boards and involving community leaders in policing strategies can foster mutual understanding.
- Improved Officer Protection: Ensuring that officers are adequately equipped and supported is vital. Tactical training and resources, such as protective gear and crowd management tools, must be prioritised.
A Critical Crossroads
This summer’s riots have exposed deep vulnerabilities in the policing of public disorder in Britain. While officers demonstrated courage under immense pressure, systemic failings left them ill-prepared for the scale and ferocity of the violence. The HMICFRS report is both a sobering indictment and a call to action for law enforcement.
As the country moves forward, the challenge lies in balancing robust policing with fairness and impartiality. Tackling extremism both outside and within the police force is crucial to restoring public trust. Without meaningful reform, the spectre of far-right violence will continue to threaten the social fabric of Britain, and the police risk finding themselves similarly unprepared for the next wave of disorder.
What were/are your experiences of the police’s behaviour in response to the threat of the far right?
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