Claim ab4551edChecked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
Attacks were directed towards police officers in Southampton last night.
Keir StarmerLabourThe Prime Minister·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The evidence strongly and consistently confirms this claim. The speech was delivered on 3 June 2026, and "last night" refers to 2 June 2026. Multiple independent sources — including the Crown Prosecution Service, BBC News, and UPI — report that on the evening of 2 June 2026, a protest in Southampton escalated into violent disorder during which police officers were directly attacked with missiles including bricks, bottles, wheelie bins, chairs, and other projectiles. Eleven to twelve police officers and a police dog were injured. Hampshire Police Chief Constable Alexis Boon publicly described "threats and violence directed towards our officers." The CPS stated that "police officers were deliberately targeted." Multiple individuals have since been charged and sentenced for violent disorder in connection with these events. The claim is fully supported by the evidence. Sources: Crown Prosecution Service (https://www.cps.gov.uk/wessex/news/thirteen-men-sentenced-following-violent-disorder-southampton); BBC News (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwye9v0dy3yo); BBC News (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c982y5n0nlno); BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crepgn8v25po); UPI (https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/06/03/11-police-dog-hurt-southampton-riots/7581780516016/); Yahoo News UK (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/11-police-officers-injured-southampton-092800503.html)
From speech
May I also pay tribute to Lord Haselhurst? I know he will be deeply missed, particularly on the Benches opposite. The findings of the recent Springhill inquest into the tragic deaths, in July 1972, of Father Noel Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, Margaret Gargan, David McCafferty and John Dougal are sobering. While the circumstances in which the events occurred were undoubtedly challenging, it is the duty of the state to hold itself to the highest standard. The Government accept and deeply regret these findings, and recognise their gravity. On behalf of the Government, I apologise unreservedly to the families for what happened and for the grief and trauma they have endured since the tragic deaths of their loved ones. I also place on record our deepest condolences to the family of Lance Corporal James Freeman, who died in a tragic accident on Sunday. I am also aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon. This will be a deeply worrying time for the families, and more information will be set out as soon as possible. Henry Nowak’s family have shown extraordinary dignity after their son’s life was stolen in appalling circumstances. He was clearly a kind, thoughtful and much-loved young man. There are serious questions to answer, including how accusations of racism informed police thinking, and we are supporting the Independent Office for Police Conduct to get to the bottom of what happened. But no matter the pain we feel, there is no justification for more violence and disorder. The attacks directed towards police officers in Southampton last night were disgraceful and completely unacceptable. This is a time for serious work, not rage. Let me be clear: we will ensure that anyone found engaging in disorder meets the full force of the law, as we have done before. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.
Sources opened
[1]cps.gov.uk
https://www.cps.gov.uk/wessex/news/thirteen-men-sentenced-following-violent-disorder-southampton
[2]bbc.co.uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwye9v0dy3yo
[3]bbc.co.uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c982y5n0nlno
[4]bbc.co.uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyl0zegrqeo
[5]bbc.co.uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c77yx83jdk4o
[6]bbc.com
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crepgn8v25po
[7]upi.com
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/06/03/11-police-dog-hurt-southampton-riots/7581780516016/
[8]uk.news.yahoo.com
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/11-police-officers-injured-southampton-092800503.html
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