Starmer tells Cobra meeting to maintain ‘high alert’ for further far-right disorder

PM emphasises there is no doubt' targeted policing and rapid sentencing are acting as deterrents to further unrest

Keir Starmer has told a Cobra meeting of cabinet ministers and police chiefs of the need to maintain high alert", despite the absence of expected disorder on Wednesday night.

A government source said the prime minister emphasised there was no doubt" that high levels of targeted policing alongside the rapid sentencing of rioters - including a three-year sentence - was acting as a deterrent to further unrest.