Try GOLD - Free
Claim of 'two-tier policing' in last year's riots is false, say MPs
The Guardian
|April 14, 2025
The police response to riots that swept the country last summer was "entirely appropriate", according to a Commons report published today.
MPs examined claims that the unrest was policed more strongly than previous protests but concluded these accusations of "two-tier policing" were "baseless".
The riots broke out after three girls were killed at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July in Southport, Merseyside.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January for the murders of Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, and the attempted murders of 10 other adults and children.
The report from the Commons home affairs committee said the claims made against police officers were disgraceful. "This was not protest," the MPs said. "Those participating in disorder were not policed more strongly because of their supposed political views but because they were throwing missiles, assaulting police officers and committing arson.
"It was disgraceful to see the police officers who bore the brunt of this violence being undermined by baseless claims of 'two-tier policing'."
This story is from the April 14, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
'Heroic' rail worker in fight for life after tackling train knife attacker
Single suspect held over stabbings as 11 victims are treated in hospital
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
World Cup wave leaves Saracens riding high in the sun
The stars came out to dazzle a record Saracens crowd in a 47-10 derby win for the home side against Harlequins
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Goal machine Haaland's latest double fires City up to second
But Guardiola still criticises refereeing standards at Etihad by saying: They're brave here’
1 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Southampton sack Still as club slide into the danger zone
Southampton have sacked Will Still after the club dropped closer to the Championship relegation zone.
1 min
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
UK workforce risks loss of extra 600,000 people to poor health - study
An extra 600,000 people will leave the workforce in the next decade because of long-term health conditions unless there is \"a fundamental shift\" in how employers help maintain staff well-being, a report says.
1 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Nuno hails fans as Hammers hit back in rare win
Nuno Espírito Santo said that his West Ham team had given their fans “something small” to cling on to with a first victory of his tenure and that he hoped a performance of grit, ability and, perhaps most importantly, belief would give them momentum in their fight against relegation.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Cycles of power The young bike fans reclaiming the streets of Johannesburg
On a hot Saturday spring morning, Karabo Mashele urged a group of female cyclists up the hills of a plush Johannesburg suburb.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Shafali and Deepti the home heroes as India make history
Wolvaardt hits another hundred but South Africa pay for dropped catches in final
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Reeves is warned not to cut VAT on electricity bills
Proposals being considered by Rachel Reeves to cut tax on electricity bills will backfire, experts have warned, resulting in a giveaway to richer homeowners and undermining the UK's climate commitments.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Guardian
Wolves eye O'Neil and Edwards after Pereira exits
Wolves could turn to their former head coach Gary O'Neil after sacking Vítor Pereira, with Middlesbrough's Rob Edwards another leading candidate.
2 mins
November 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size