Rishi Sunak claimed extremist groups in the UK were “trying to divide us” in a rushed Downing Street statement hours after George Galloway won the Rochdale by-election.
Standing outside Gate 10 late on Friday, the Prime Minister condemned the “alarming increase in extremist destruction and crime” following the October 7 massacre by Hamas and the Israeli invasion of Gaza.
He also claimed that democracy was a goal in itself as he condemned the election of Galloway, who easily won his Rochdale seat on a platform focused on anti-Israel sentiment in Gaza.
However, in his 10-minute speech, Sunak was at times rambling and seemingly contradictory, making points that could anger Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick and MPs on the right wing of the Conservative Party, who have tried to blame recent tensions almost entirely on Islamists. extremist.
Sunak was at pains to highlight recent abuses against Britain’s Muslim and Jewish communities and highlighted threats from far-right groups and Islamists.
“Don’t let extremists hijack your marches,” he said directly to those taking part in a series of massive protests across the UK.
“Over the next few weeks, you have an opportunity to prove that you can protest decently, peacefully, and empathize with your fellow citizens. Let’s prove these extremists wrong and show them that even with our differences, we will always There will be no division.”
But Lib Dem leader Ed Davey responded: “The British people will learn no lessons from the Prime Minister and the Conservative Party who have sown the seeds of division for many years.”
Sunak added: “Yes, you can march and protest with passion and you can demand the protection of civilian lives. But no, you cannot call for violent jihad.”
But he failed to respond to sharp criticism of his own party’s MPs and failed to respond to their comments.
Less than a week ago, former Conservative Party deputy leader Lee Anderson was stripped of the party whip for making comments about London Mayor Sadiq Khan that were widely condemned as offensive and hateful Islamic rhetoric.
Braverman and Liz Truss have also been criticized and accused of deliberately fomenting division.
Sunak, who announced parts of his off-the-cuff speech with little attention, painted a picture of political chaos that some opponents said was exaggerated.
“In recent weeks and months we have seen an alarming increase in extremist vandalism and criminal activity. What started as street protests have turned into intimidation, threats and calculated violence,” he said.
“I need to speak to all of you tonight because this situation has gone on long enough to require a response not only from the government but from all of us.”
He said there are “forces in the country who seek to divide us” by exploiting “our very human anxieties about the horrific suffering that war inflicts on innocent people, women and children.” , hateful ideological agenda”.
The speech contained no new policies, other than a vague promise to create a “robust framework” for the government to tackle the root causes of extremism.
But Sunak did urge police to make more use of existing powers to tackle issues such as protesters disrupting political meetings or projecting images onto parliament.
He said: “This week I met with senior police officers and made it clear that the public expects them not just to manage these protests but to police them. I say to the police: when you take action, we will support you.”
After meeting with police on Wednesday, Sunak said there was “a growing consensus that mob rule is replacing democratic rule,” an assessment that civil liberties groups and others said was worrying and could herald a tougher counterattack. Protest against the introduction of the law.
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Labor leader Keir Starmer appeared to back the Prime Minister’s message calling for national unity.
He said: “The Prime Minister is right to promote unity and condemn the unacceptable and intimidating behavior we have seen recently.
“Defending our values and the common bonds that unite us is an important task for leadership.
“Citizens have the right to do their jobs without intimidation, and elected representatives should be able to do their jobs and vote without fear or favor.
“This is something that all parties agree on and we should all defend.”
David said: “The Prime Minister has appointed Suela Braverman as home secretary and Lee Anderson as deputy leader of the party.
“If the Prime Minister really wanted to bring people together he would call a general election now so that the British public can decide the future of our country.”
Galloway said he did not understand Sunak’s suggestion of glorifying Hezbollah but hoped they could discuss the issue next week if the Prime Minister “had the courage” to do so.
Sunak said the newly elected Rochdale MP had “dismissed the horrific events of October 7”, “glorified Hezbollah” and “had the support of the racist former BNP leader Nick Griffin” support”.
Galloway told Channel 5 News: “I take no responsibility for those who claim to support me… I have never met Mr Griffin and have no intention of meeting him.”
“I don’t know what exactly he means by glorifying Hezbollah, but if he has the courage, maybe he can tell me at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday.”
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