THE North East mayor has told ministers to act now to avoid a repeat of the violent riots that have plagued parts of our region over recent days.

Kim McGuinness and other English mayors held talks with Downing Street on Monday (August 5) over the serious disorder seen on streets across the country – including in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool.

After Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to “ramp up criminal justice” and deploy a “standing army” of specialist police officers to combat the unrest, Ms McGuinness has urged Government officials to clamp down on hateful comments and disinformation being spread on social media. 

The Labour mayor said on Tuesday (August 6) that “comprehensive” plans were in place to combat further disorder, with reports of potential far-right demonstrations happening in Newcastle and Sunderland this week, and condemned the “mindless” targeting of Muslim communities that has left some people “too frightened to go to work, travel on public transport or leave their homes”.

After the online discussions with Downing Street and a meeting with community leaders on Wearside following the riot there last Friday night (August 2), Ms McGuinness said: “I have taken the concerns of Sunderland’s communities and the North East to Government, having held talks with Downing Street about the national response to the recent disorder.  

“It’s vital we bring calm and safety back to our streets and I have clearly set out what our region needs to avoid a repeat of the dreadful scenes we witnessed in Sunderland this weekend. We need these events to stop: they are not protests, they are a disguise for violence and vandalism and will not be tolerated.  

“I have asked ministers to consider what measures could be taken to clamp down on distant and unaccountable social media companies who allow hate and disorder to spread unchecked online.   

“Comprehensive plans are in place to prepare for and deal with any further disorder. I would urge anyone considering attending these gatherings to think again. My message to you is simple: stay at home, do not stand side-by-side with rioters, and think of your community. They are not patriots and do not represent the North East.”

On Monday, Newcastle Central and West MP Chi Onwurah called on police to make sure Newcastle does not see a repeat of the violent scenes on the streets of Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

Sir Keir pledged that a “standing army” of specialist officers would be on hand to ensure police can deal with the demonstrations while calling for perpetrators of violence to be named and shamed for engaging in “far-right thuggery”.

Ms McGuinness added: “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim communities, who have been mindlessly targeted and left fearing for their safety. I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of families too frightened to go to work, travel on public transport or leave their homes. This is simply unacceptable and I will not let the actions of a violent minority speak for us. 

“I was humbled to meet with community leaders in Sunderland. Despite the dreadful scenes at the weekend, I take enormous comfort from the way our city and region responded. The people of Sunderland came together and rolled up their sleeves, showed kindness and compassion to each other, and got on with bringing the city back to its peaceful, proud and prosperous state.  

“As mayor for this great region, I am determined our place in the world will be defined by the opportunity, pride and optimism that runs in our DNA. The North East is a region on the up – and nothing will stand in our way.”