Violence in Leeds: Political blame game erupts as riots cause havoc

Political blame game over riots (X)

As the UK city of Leeds reels under the violence, a political blame game has started. British politicians Nigel Farage and Alex Sobel are involved in a spat over the riots.

Clacton MP Nigel Farage claimed that "politics of the subcontinent" were happening on the streets of Leeds. He said, "The politics of the subcontinent are currently playing out on the streets of Leeds. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."

After his social media post, he was accused of spreading misinformation and was asked for an apology.

Replying to Farage's social media post, MP Alex Sobel attacked him, saying Farage knew nothing about the situation and had not been briefed on it. Sobel said, "This is a situation you know nothing about and no one has briefed you on. You are inflaming a situation with misinformation. Politicians have a responsibility to not exacerbate situations particularly with no knowledge of them. I expect you to issue an apology."

This is a situation you know nothing about and no one has briefed you on.You are inflaming a situation with misinformation.Politicians have a responsibility to not exacerbate situations particularly with no knowledge of them.I expect you to issue an apology. https://t.co/VM48kgTLdT

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— Alex Sobel MP for Leeds Central and Headingley (@alexsobel) July 18, 2024

Rioters wreaked havoc on the streets of Leeds in the UK, forcing police to flee for safety. In Leeds’ Harehills, a disturbance at around 10:30 PM (India time) on 18 July escalated into a prolonged riot, during which a mob overturned a police car.

Social media footage shows youths pelting stones at the car with officers inside, breaking its windows while bystanders filmed the chaos.

Rioters burned a double-decker bus and created chaos in multiple locations.

Expressing her concern about the violent incidents in a post on ‘X’ on Friday, UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote, “I am appalled at the shocking scenes and attacks on police vehicles & public transport in Leeds tonight. Disorder of this nature has no place in our society.”