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Europe riots: ‘I’m FRIGHTENED this will come to Britain’ as Andy Burnham’s priorities questioned
Lizzie Cundy said she fears that recent riots across Europe could spread to Britain, during a discussion with Will Kingston. The unrest has involved protests over living costs and public services, with violence, looting and damage reported in several countries.
In France, more than 2,000 people were arrested after unrest on 17 October, hundreds of police officers were injured and estimated losses from weeks of disorder exceeded €1 billion. In Frankfurt, 17 shops were damaged and five looted on 31 October, while more than 100 police officers were injured; Portugal and Albania also saw clashes and arrests. Cundy also criticised Andy Burnham and discussed Brexit, Nigel Farage’s prospects and whether right-wing parties should unite against Labour.
In short
- Cundy fears European unrest could reach Britain.
- France’s disorder caused estimated losses above €1 billion.
- She also questioned Andy Burnham’s leadership and discussed party politics.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those concerned about unrest spreading argue that repeated clashes, looting and attacks on police across several countries show how quickly public anger can turn into disorder. They may see rising living costs and strained public services as pressures Britain also faces, and argue that political leaders should address these concerns and prepare to protect public safety.
The case against
Others argue that unrest in different countries does not establish that similar riots are likely in Britain, since each episode has its own causes and local context. They may caution that treating disorder abroad as a forecast risks amplifying fear, and that criticism of Andy Burnham or debate about party politics should be assessed separately from the evidence about public-order risks.