Analysis PM has been decisive but faces dilemma over Farage

Keir Starmer sounded uncharacteristically angry as he appeared in front of a podium in Downing Street yesterday to condemn the violent mobs causing damage and spreading fear.

- Rowena Mason

Just weeks into government, the prime minister has been confronted with the appalling murder of three young girls, followed by days of rioting whipped up by online disinformation that a migrant was responsible.

So far, he has taken a proactive approach to tackling the violent unrest - leading visibly from Downing Street rather than letting his home secretary, Yvette Cooper, front up the response.

In statements on Friday and yesterday, Starmer has made it clear he wants the response to thuggery to be swift and decisive. He has called in the police to coordinate tactics, as well as delivering a message to Muslims and others frightened by the violence that this does not represent Britain. And he has named the forces he holds responsible the far right exploiting a tragedy to whip up disinformation and target migrants.