Fears of fresh violence a year on riots which followed the Southport attacks

The Deputy Prime Minister is understood to have warned the government's cabinet about possible violent clashes

Police responding to violence outside a hotel in Rotherham in August last year
Author: Jonny FreemanPublished 2nd Aug 2025

Government ministers are under pressure to address concerns about immigration, as communities affected by rioting last summer fear it could be repeated.

The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is understood to have already sounded the alarm to Cabinet.

Violence broke out a year ago after misinformation was spread online about the suspect in the Southport attacks.

Many protesters called for stricter controls on immigration, with some hotels housing asylum seekers targeted.

Southport MP Patrick Hurley thinks more were frustrated about austerity:

"Money had been tight for places like Southport - and had been tight for too long.

"People were angry around that.

"There are no legitimate concerns that lead to people rioting, but at the same time politicians need to acknowledge that these towns need help and these towns need financial help."

Paris and Josh lived near a hotel in Rotherham that was set on fire last summer. They're among those concerned about fresh violence this summer:

"I still see in groups all this hate being spilled.

"I think it could probably happen again. That's the faith I have in the country."

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