The worst of Britain brings out the best of Britain

Over the four nights this week people across the world have seen images of riots, criminality and looting taking place in the UK. These images have been shocking and sickening for anyone like me who cares about the UK’s reputation. And no less shocking has been the loss of life this week of three young British citizens in the road traffic incident in Birmingham. Our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences go to the family and friends of these individuals, some of whom have spoken with great dignity in their loss. .

It is too early to say exactly what lay behind these deaths or this sudden outbreak of recreational criminality this week. Clearly, there are lessons to be learnt, soul-searching to be done and policies to be changed before the socially disconnected sub-culture responsible for the violence can be treated.

But without in any way understating the seriousness of the mindless violence we have all witnessed, I do see some silver linings.

The riots were not racially, ethnically or politically motivated. They were more mindless and selfish than that.

The Government responded swiftly. Parliament has been recalled. The Prime Minister has made clear the UK Government’s commitment to tackle this violence and a fight back is underway. The PM said on Wednesday that “we will not allow a culture of fear to exist on our streets and we will do whatever is necessary to restore law and order”

The police reacted proportionately and courageously in confronting the thugs.

The Courts responded immediately, some sitting through the night to deal with those charged.

The technology that may have helped the riots spread will also be a means to convict the rioters. CCTV footage has captured their faces. Mobile phone records will be painstakingly scoured for evidence.

Most heartening of all, mainstream British society rose to the situation rapidly and constructively. The worst of Britain brought out some of the best of Britain. I’m proud at how communities came together peacefully to stand against the rioters. Not every country has done this, refusing to be cowed by thugs.

Cleanup efforts were organised through Facebook and Twitter Tens of thousands of volunteers in a show of solidarity went to the streets of London and other cities to help local government workers clean up their neighbourhoods. Armed with brooms and bin bags people have come together to reclaim their communities and renounce the violence. Over a million more have joined them on Facebook to show their support.  These groups are also coming together to help those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Volunteers are collecting donations of money, clothes and food to help their neighbours get back on their feet. This community solidarity against violence shows that it was not austerity in Britain that drove the mayhem but only a criminal minority.