A recent report has shed light on the motivations behind the involvement of hundreds of children in last year’s riots across England, revealing that distrust and resentment toward the police played a more significant role than far-right or racist ideologies. According to Dame Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England, the young participants felt disempowered and saw the riots as a chance to retaliate against law enforcement.

 

Contrary to what she described as the “prevailing narrative,” De Souza emphasized that the actions of the children were not driven by far-right, anti-immigration, or racist views, nor by misinformation spread online. Instead, many of the children interviewed expressed deep animosity toward the police and cited their involvement in the riots as an opportunity to retaliate after negative experiences with officers.  

 

“There was quite a group of the children who were there because they hated the police, and they were clear about that,” De Souza told *The Guardian*. Others were motivated by curiosity or the thrill of the moment, rather than any ideological beliefs.  

 

The unrest, which erupted following the murder of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, Merseyside, drew in children as young as 11. Among those involved were “star pupils,” army cadets, and trainee electricians, illustrating the diverse backgrounds of the young rioters.  

 

De Souza’s team conducted interviews with 14 children charged in connection with the riots. She noted that while far-right influencers, such as Andrew Tate, were speculated to have played a role in inciting the unrest, the children interviewed did not cite these figures as significant motivators. “I thought I would hear far more about [influencers like] Andrew Tate. That’s not what I heard at all,” she said.  

 

The commissioner’s 36-page report also raises serious concerns about how the justice system handled the children involved in the riots. She described the punishments as “unusually severe and swift,” noting that many of the children had no prior run-ins with the law. Some were given custodial sentences that disrupted their lives at critical moments, while others were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterized by impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors that may have influenced their actions during the riots.  

 

De Souza criticized the lack of consideration given to these factors by police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the judiciary. She also highlighted troubling practices, such as children being arrested in their homes or in public by large teams of officers and held in custody for 48 to 72 hours. This violates Home Office guidelines, which caution against prolonged detention of children due to the potential harm it can cause.  

 

Beyond the riots, De Souza called for systemic changes to how young offenders are treated. She advocated for youth criminal records to be expunged at age 18 for all but the most serious offenses. Under current laws in England and Wales, youth convictions remain on police records permanently and can be disclosed to future employers, potentially hindering the rehabilitation of young people who have served their sentences.  

 

“The involvement of children in those riots and the reasons they told me they got involved raise some really serious questions about childhood in England and why our children feel so disaffected and disempowered,” De Souza said.  

 

Her findings challenge perceptions of the riots and highlight deeper societal issues, including a lack of youth opportunities, strained relations between communities and law enforcement, and the disproportionate treatment of young people in the justice system.

 

Based on a report by The Guardian 2025-01-29

 

Related Topic:

Badenoch Criticizes Starmer’s “Unequal” Handling of Southport Killer and Rioters

 

 

Giving kids a short, sharp, shock (to quote Pink Floyd) doesn't seem like a bad idea. 

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

Contrary to what she described as the “prevailing narrative,” De Souza emphasized that the actions of the children were not driven by far-right, anti-immigration, or racist views, nor by misinformation spread online.

Well the prevailing narrative was that they were all far right mobs with an agenda. Oh Starmer what have you done..........

 

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

The commissioner’s 36-page report also raises serious concerns about how the justice system handled the children involved in the riots. She described the punishments as “unusually severe and swift,” noting that many of the children had no prior run-ins with the law. Some were given custodial sentences that disrupted their lives at critical moments, while others were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterized by impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors that may have influenced their actions during the riots.  

Two tier justice right there....^^^

They given the belive that they should rule and their "needs" alle be covered, and when this dont happen they start hating authoreties.

Oh parents-where have you been ???????

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

The commissioner’s 36-page report also raises serious concerns about how the justice system handled the children involved in the riots. She described the punishments as “unusually severe and swift,” noting that many of the children had no prior run-ins with the law. Some were given custodial sentences that disrupted their lives at critical moments, while others were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition characterized by impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors that may have influenced their actions during the riots.  

 

 

2 Tier Keir doesn't care.

 

He crushes dissent with his iron boot irrespective of the age or psychological issues of the dissenter. 

 

If your white and not left wing, you're fair game to Starmer.  

Anyone ask the kids if they were slightly miffed by getting raped and murdered by bearded men quoting the Quran🤔