Allegations of biased policing have surfaced as far-right riots continue across the UK. The term “two-tier policing” implies that some protests face stricter law enforcement than others.
Civil war is inevitable
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2024
Prime Minister calls for an emergency COBRA meeting as the riots escalate. Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and owner of social media platform X, has echoed this sentiment recently. However, senior politicians and police officials have dismissed the idea.
The phrase “two-tier policing” suggests that police are harsher on right-wing protests compared to those on the left. Before the current unrest, figures like English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, actor-turned-activist Laurence Fox, and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick used the term concerning pro-Palestinian protests. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed on Monday that “the soft policing of Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests has made the idea of two-tier policing widespread”. The Clacton MP further asserted on social media that “most of us think ethnic minority groups are treated differently compared to white British people”.
Critics argue there is a clear distinction between lawful, peaceful protests and the violent riots of the past week, which have included attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers, injuries to police officers, and looting. Dame Priti Patel, who was home secretary during the BLM demonstrations in 2020, told Times Radio, “There’s a difference between blocking streets and burning down libraries, hotels, food banks, and attacking places of worship. What we see now is thuggery, violence, and racism.” She emphasised that current events are not comparable to past protests, which were policed while respecting free speech.
Under UK law, as referenced by Patel, peaceful protest is legal and the right to freedom of expression is upheld by the European Convention on Human Rights. However, this does not cover violence or property damage. Former Special Branch officer Chris Hobbs noted that arrests have been made at pro-Palestinian protests for suspected criminal offences, similar to climate protests and BLM demonstrations.
Neil Basu, former head of counter-terrorism, told Sky News that two-tier policing does not exist in the UK, calling it “very dangerous rhetoric”. He stated, “We serve the law. If you break the law, your appearance or ideology doesn’t matter. Terrorist offences are dealt with under the Terrorism Act, public order offences under the Public Order Act, and hate crimes under relevant legislation.”
Elon Musk criticised the prime minister, calling him “two-tier Keir” under a video of masked crowds outside a Birmingham pub, some waving Palestinian flags. West Midlands Police have launched an investigation into the violent disorder after a man was assaulted and a pub window was smashed. The group involved apologised and offered to pay for the damages, with further enquiries to identify the culprits.
Responding to Musk’s comments, West Midlands Police Superintendent Emlyn Richards stated that two-tier policing “doesn’t exist” in their force, asserting, “We police without fear or favour.” The prime minister also dismissed the concept, calling it a “non-issue” and insisting that policing is conducted “without fear or favour”.