Musk’s criticism of Birmingham disorder response ‘dangerous’ – Starmer

Sir Keir said the UK did not see the disorder that many feared on Wednesday night, because “we had police deployed, in numbers, in the right places”.

He said that prison sentences handed down to those involved in violent disorder sent a “powerful message” that the criminal justice system is working speedily.

He also said that the work “being done jointly to reassure our communities” is becoming more effective.

Referencing his visit to Solihull, Sir Keir said it was important to be able to give reassurance to communities, “many of whom, I have been talking to some this morning, are very anxious about the situation”.

Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said the prime minister’s visit “shows just how seriously” the government was treating recent disorder and violence.

The Labour PCC said he had raised concerns during the meeting with Sir Keir about how quickly hate and misinformation can spread on social media.

“I made my message very clear that we must not allow social media companies to get away with enabling hateful online content that can do so much harm and damage.”