Far-right attacks should be classified as Terrorism, ex-UK police chief says

Neil Basu, former UK counter-terrorism chief, has spoken out against the recent surge in far-right violence, labeling it as “terrorism”. He specifically denounced the attack on a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers, calling the perpetrators “bullies and cowards” and advocating for a stronger response to such acts.

He stressed those who carried out the worst violence and targeted people for their race should be prosecuted under counter terrorism laws.

Courts minister Heidi Alexander said that was a decision for the Crown Prosecution Service, not the government.

She told Sky News there had been “absolutely disgusting and vile and totally unacceptable behaviour on our streets” and “racist attacks”.

“It is dangerous extremism and downright criminal behaviour that they need to face consequences for their actions,” the minister added.

Ms Alexander was reacting to comments from Mr Basu who told the Guardian: “Trying to set ablaze a building with people inside, whom you have made clear you detest, is an act of violence against people and property with a racial cause designed to intimidate a section of the public – be it Muslims or asylum seekers.

“Not only does it fit the definition of terrorism, it is terrorism.

“It’s nothing short of an attempt at a modern-day lynching and the people who did it should be facing life imprisonment, not a five-year sentence for violent disorder.”

Riots have swept the UK, focusing on hotels housing asylum seekers, mosques, and areas with significant Muslim populations.

The violence started in Southport last Tuesday, after three girls were fatally stabbed in the Merseyside town, and has since escalated, affecting multiple towns and cities.

NHS England’s chief executive has expressed concern that the riots have made many healthcare staff feel “afraid and unwelcome”.