Keir Starmer should “sit and talk” to rioters instead of “banging them away” in jail, Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has said.
Suspected rioters have been appearing in court following mass disorder across the country over the past week.
A number of people charged with violent disorder have already pleaded guilty to their part in the chaos.
But speaking on GB News, Lee said the Prime Minister would be better served “getting to the nub of the problem” by speaking to rioters and learning more about their concerns.
Lee Anderson accused Starmer of ‘two-tier policing’
GB NEWS
“I would like to see Sir Keir Starmer sit in a room with all these young youths who have been arrested and sit down and talk to them”, he said.
“Ask them, what is your problem? Why are you rioting? Why are you smashing buildings?
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The disorder sparked lively debate on GB News
GB NEWS
“Do that instead of talking tough with this two-tier policing he seems to have adopted and locking up one group of people. He needs to actually engage with these people, not run on holiday or call these silly Cobra meetings.
“Speak to these young men and ask what the problem is and get to the nub of the problem.
“Maybe if he does that, he will understand why they are so angry.”
The widespread disorder followed the fatal stabbings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport last week.
Rioters in MiddlesbroughPAMany rioters have used the disorder as a means to voice their ire at mass immigration by pitching up outside hotels housing asylum seekers.
Lee stressed he does not condone the scenes of violence, but thinks Starmer would be best served in the long term by learning more about why those causing chaos are concerned.
The Labour leader has used his public statements in recent days to condemn the rioters and brand them “far-right”, which Lee criticised as he spoke to Dawn Neesom on GB News.
“It’s absolute nonsense. It’s an excuse. He doesn’t know what to do, he’s completely clueless”, he said.
“These aren’t far-right thugs, these are young idiots who have got carried away.
“If he doesn’t sit and talk to them, this will continue and continue. He needs to sit down with them and try to come up with some solutions instead of just banging them away.”