IN too many of our communities over recent days, the police have faced truly unacceptable violence.
They have been hit by bottles, bricks, fireworks and other missiles. They have been spat at, subjected to vile abuse and sustained broken bones.
No one in our society should ever have to face what those officers have been through, let alone those who spend their daily lives protecting the rest of us.
But we can all feel proud of the professionalism, courage and resilience the police have shown in the face of that violence.
And no one is prouder of that than me, in my role as Policing Minister.
With the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, I have spent every day working with forces across the country to get them the support they need.
We have given them the Government’s full backing to use all the powers at their disposal.
We will not rest until this mindless disorder is stopped and until the hooligans, criminals and extremists responsible have been brought to justice.
Hundreds of arrests have already been made, many are already behind bars, and those numbers will continue to rise in the coming days and weeks.
Through the justice system, we are demonstrating that criminal disorder has consequences, and that no excuses will be tolerated for this kind of violence.
Do not tell me that individuals who come armed with flares, fireworks and petrol bombs to a location advertised online with fire emojis are just there to protest.
Do not tell me that someone is in a crowd for peaceful reasons when they are wearing a balaclava to avoid being identified, or swinging a stick or pole.
These are dangerous thugs, plain and simple, and they will be treated as such. Our police forces are prepared and ready for anything.
Six thousand public order-trained officers remain on duty, ready to be deployed wherever trouble occurs.
And our message remains clear.
If you engage in violent activity in our streets or incite hatred online, it does not matter who you are, you will face the full force of the law.
So think twice before you act. Or expect a knock at the door, and years behind bars as a result of your actions.
We will never let hate and division win, and we will continue to give our utmost support to the police who are in the front line of that fight.
They have our backs, and we will always have theirs.
