THERE are several things to be learned from the sickening scenes of rioting across the UK following the murders of three innocent little girls in Southport.
That relying on the Wild West of social media to get news — instead of regulated, traditional and trusted media — opens users to a constant feed of fakery from distorted algorithms.
That a lack of speedy transparency from the police and other authorities often creates a vacuum into which lies are peddled by twisted conspiracy theorists.
This in turn is fuelled by disinformation deliberately spread by malign foreign states like Russia to sow discord in the UK.
There is no question the courts should now throw the book at the drunk and drugged-up far-right thugs responsible for mindless violence in towns like Rotherham.
Punishment, too, should be meted out to the hard-Left and Islamists also seeking to drive a wedge in our communities.
But it remains the case that unless the Government grips the twin problems of violent crime and illegal migration, vile organised racists and fanatics will always seek to exploit those issues.
That is precisely why Sir Keir Starmer wants to bring the full force of justice against the mobs.
Yet amid the sickening and depressing scenes, we have also been shown the uplifting true face of Britain.
Southport’s mosque repaired by volunteer builders, locals leading clean-up operations in their towns.
The far-Right faced down as, ultimately, they always have been.
Because it’s vital to remember that this remains a moderate, tolerant country — always capable of delivering a mocking brick-in-the-balls to the fascists who deserve derision as well as contempt.
We haven’t let them win before and we won’t start now.
BRITANNIA’S reputation as a world-leading naval power is sinking fast.
It is a national disgrace that the Navy cannot manage to get any of its hunter-killer submarines out of port.
These subs play a vital role escorting the vessels which carry our nuclear deterrent.
Yet all are now unavailable for duty, while half have not been operational for over a year while awaiting repairs.
Shockingly, the MoD cannot even find the right type of rope to lift the submarines out of dry dock.
This would almost be comical were it not for the serious global threats aimed at Britain.
As one former submarine captain warns, UK waters have been left “spectacularly exposed” as a result.
How Vladimir Putin and co. must be laughing at this dangerous incompetence.
