Three Men Charged Over UK Riots as Mayor Calls for Social Media Review
- Three men have been charged in connection with recent riots across the UK.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged quick action to revise the Online Safety Act in response to social media disinformation.
- The justice system is fast-tracking cases of those involved in the riots.
A total of 20 individuals have been charged in relation to violent disturbances in Southport and Liverpool, with three additional men facing charges last night. Among those charged is 39-year-old Gerard Cooch, who is set to appear at Wirral Magistrates' Court today for his involvement in the Liverpool city centre unrest. Meanwhile, 46-year-old Tony Hazlett has been charged with violent disorder in Southport and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court. In light of the ongoing unrest, Mr. Khan has called for urgent amendments to the Online Safety Act, suggesting that the government must assess its effectiveness. He emphasized the responsibility of social media platforms to manage their content, warning that if they fail to do so, regulatory measures will be enforced. His comments reflect growing concerns about the role of social media in exacerbating tensions during the riots. The UK riots have prompted a series of emergency meetings, including a third COBRA meeting led by Sir Keir Starmer. During this meeting, Starmer highlighted the importance of swift justice and robust policing as deterrents against further rioting. Despite these measures, police remain vigilant, anticipating potential gatherings over the weekend. Among those charged is 31-year-old Billy Thompson from Maryport, who appeared in court following his arrest. Another individual, Bobby Shirbon, was implicated in violent acts during two nights of disorder last week, including vandalism and assaults on police officers. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.