Riots test the new British prime minister in his first month in the job
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is just a month into his job and facing a crisis as widespread rioting spreads across the U.K. Starmer, who once was the chief prosecutor for England and Wales, is having to tap that expertise as he tries to restore order and hold violent protesters accountable
LONDON (AP) — Just a month into the job, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sounds more like the prosecutor he used to be than the leader of a powerful nation as he tries to quell riots that have swept the country in the past week.
The unfolding crisis presents his first major test since taking power on July 5.
Starmer has blamed far-right instigators for circulating rumors and organizing protests that have targeted mosques, singled out minority communities and featured Nazi salutes, racist rhetoric and attacks that have wounded more than 100 police officers.
Misinformation began circulating on social media last week about the teen charged with fatally stabbing three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class and wounding 10 others on July 29. The suspect was incorrectly identified as a Muslim asylum seeker, spiking racial and ethnic tensions that led to violent unrest.
