Starmer to hold Cobra meeting after far-right thugs target hotels housing asylum seekers

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Downing Street is expected to hold a Cobra emergency response meeting on Monday after “thugs” tried to storm hotels housing asylum seekers on the sixth day of escalating disorder. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed rioters would “regret” engaging in “far-right thuggery” and promised those involved in unrest would “face the full force of the law” as he addressed the nation on Sunday. A group of rioters in Middlesbrough smashed the windows of houses and cars and threw objects at officers on Sunday afternoon, with one seen shouting a racial slur and another telling police: “It’s our f****** country.” There were 43 arrests, and significant damage was caused to the Crown Court and the University, Cleveland Police said. In his message to rioters, the prime minister said: “I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder, whether directly or those whipping up this action online and then running away themselves.” Dame Sara Khan, who was Rishi Sunak’s independent adviser for social cohesion and resilience until May, blamed the Conservative government for leaving the country open to far-right violence.