The following tweets provide a snapshot of how the Labour Party is ingratiated with the violent thugs of one side, while condemning the other. We begin with Keir Starmer's sweeping statement about "any violence", but let's be clear - he released no such statement last week when it was BLM supporters who were assaulting our police officers.
Any violence against our police is completely unacceptable. No ifs, no buts.— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 13, 2020
Today’s protests in London were led by those intent on causing violence and sowing hate for their own ends.
We must not let them win.
Millions of Londoners will have been disgusted by the shameful scenes of violence, desecration and racism displayed by the right-wing extremists who gathered in our city today.— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 13, 2020
In the face of attacks and abuse, our police did a fantastic job to control the situation. Thank you.
There have been shameful scenes today, with unacceptable violence aimed at police officers.— Nick Thomas-Symonds MP (@NickTorfaen) June 13, 2020
We must stand united against those who seek to divide us - and commit to taking concrete steps to address racism & build a fairer future. https://t.co/Lv7PQRsyn8
As last weekend, we thank our police officers for putting themselves on the frontline of public order. Supporting peaceful protest is an important part of our democracy. But thugs pretending to protest, but who just want a fight, need to feel the full force of the law. https://t.co/LkChBtjiV7— Darren Jones MP (@darrenpjones) June 13, 2020
Solidarity with the anti-racist campaigners who protested peacefully, and in a socially distanced way, all over the UK. Meanwhile thugs in central London “defended statues” #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/bEHsmIfpj9— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott) June 13, 2020
Watching scenes today outside my place of work is harrowing. These people have caused me to be scared in my home, at my work. My family and I have to carry devices for our security. I grew up & lived my life in a mixed loving community, these are the thugs who broke that peace— Jess Phillips MP (@jessphillips) June 13, 2020
Today was amazing in Brighton. I see racist, white supremacist thugs rioted in London streets. They attacked police and unirated on very plaques and statues they pretended to "protect". In short they are scum, but peaceful demonstrations, and call for #BlackLivesMatter will win.— Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP🌹🇪🇺🏳️🌈 (@lloyd_rm) June 13, 2020
This false equating of far right fascists with anti-racist activists is absolutely abhorrent.— Sam Tarry MP (@SamTarry) June 13, 2020
What a joke.
Intentions behind today's far-right violent demonstrations were completely different to George Floyd #BlackLivesMatter protests.
They should be called out and condemned. https://t.co/csgVPgdKKB
These people don't defend anyone or anything with their violence. They demean democracy and divide everyone with their hate. This isn't patriotism. This isn't debate. This isn't who we are or aspire to be. https://t.co/CigcYo7SHu— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) June 13, 2020
These aren’t “Black Lives Matter counter-protests” or “Cenotaph protection operations”.— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) June 13, 2020
Call them what they are: far-right demonstrations.
This government and its attacks on migrants and people of colour has emboldened them.