Hampshire’s top police chief is under fire for saying protest groups are motivated by the need to “uphold British values”.
Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said “arresting people” is “treating the symptom and not the cause” in the wake of protests which have descended into riots across the country.
She is now facing calls to quit from opponents who accuse of her attempting to justify rioting, including some MPs in the county.
Hundreds of people have taken to the streets following the Southport stabbings last week, including in Hampshire.
READ MORE: Under-fire police chief issues new statement after calls to quit
Ms Jones, a Conservative party politician and former leader of Portsmouth City Council, said the government “must acknowledge” what is causing this civil unrest.
She labelled the behaviour of "some of those protesting" as "extremely violent, highly distressing and absolutely criminal".
Ms Jones said in a statement, which was temporarily deleted and later amended, on Saturday: "The questions these people want answering; what is the government's solution to mass uncontrolled immigration?
"How are the new Labour government going to uphold and build on British values?"
"This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Kier Starmer’s government (sic), and its bitten quickly.”
She said this is the "clear message" she will put to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary this week.
Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said Ms Jones’ position as PCC is “clearly untenable”.
She said: “Far from appealing for calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones attempting to justify the criminality we have seen across the UK this week is divisive, inflammatory and grossly irresponsible.
“Her position is clearly untenable.”
READ MORE: Police make five arrests after protest descends into violence
She has also been criticised by Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester.
He said he was “deeply concerned” about her remarks, adding: “These extreme views make her totally unsuitable to hold this position of responsibility.”
Ms Jones' words have been described as “totally unacceptable”.
Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal said: “I, as a former CEO of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, would have heavily advised against a current PCC, let alone the chair, appearing to justify rioting and criminality that police officers are bravely having to deal with right now.”
Cllr Alex Lee, leader of the Basingstoke Labour group, added: “Donna Jones’ statement failing to condemn the riots across the country.
"It’s a deeply troubling statement and she should step down immediately.”
Khalil Yousuf, former Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Farnham and Bordon, said: "The divisive statements by Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, Donna Jones, who overseas policing in parts of Hampshire which fall within our constituency, validates misinformation and are shocking.
"Rioters vandalising streets and attacking mosques do not represent British values. Donna Jones position is untenable, and for the good of the community, she should resign immediately.
"Our communities have a history of peace harmony among people of all faiths and beliefs. We must continue to support one another and reject the politics of hate, upholding the values of liberty, equality, and community."
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