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Former Home Secretary Priti Patel has slammed Labour for being ‘breathtakingly complacent’ and ‘inadequate’ after riots in Sunderland last night.
Writing on X (Twitter), the Conservative MP called Parliament to be recalled immediately, adding: “We either believe in the rule of law, or we do not.”
In her full statement Priti Patel, who is running to be leader of the Conservative Party wrote:
Sunderland is the latest city to be hit which has seen devastating riots throughout the country, as Britain braces itself for further chaos today in the wake of the Southport stabbings.
The events we have witnessed overnight in Sunderland were totally unacceptable.
As they were in Southport earlier this week and in Harehills in Leeds a fortnight ago.
We should never excuse, or be apologists for, disorder whoever is responsible. Violence and thuggery is always unacceptable. There is no qualification or exception.
And politicians on all sides must be willing to stand up and say so. Saying the nation is “braced for disorder” is not only breathtakingly complacent, but both troubling and inadequate.
The Government is now in danger of appearing to be swept away with events rather than maintaining control of them.
That is precisely why as Home Secretary I brought forward much stronger protections against disproportionate protest and disorder, in the teeth of fierce opposition.
But it was the right thing to do and those powers must be used to their maximal extent now. Now is a moment for national reflection and solidarity – to pull back from the wave of violence we have seen, to call it out for what it is – without fear or favour – and for Parliament to speak with one voice in condemnation.
We either believe in the rule of law, or we do not. That is why Parliament must be recalled immediately.
Intelligence suggests up to 30 protests are planned across the country this weekend in cities such as London, Leeds, Liverpool, Hull, Nottingham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Manchester.
Several counter-protests have also been planned.
