The outlet reports that detectives from around the country to be part of a new law enforcement unit that tracks social media posts related to immigration to flag early signs of unrest. However, the unit has gotten pushback over concerns of free speech. The unit, which is put together by the Home Office, will "maximise social media intelligence” gathering. It comes after some were critical of law enforcement last year when there were riots.
There have been a number of protests taking issue with the level of immigration that has taken place in the UK, including in the cities of Norwich, Leeds, and Bournemouth. More demonstrations are also planned for Sunday.
Concerns over free speech, however, have also mounted with the creation of the unit. “Two-tier Keir can’t police the streets, so he’s trying to police opinions instead. They’re setting up a central team to monitor what you post, what you share, what you think, because deep down they know the public don’t buy what they’re selling," shadow home secretary Chris Philp said. “Labour have stopped pretending to fix Britain and started trying to mute it. This is a Prime Minister who’s happy to turn Britain into a surveillance state, but won’t deport foreign criminals, won’t patrol high streets, won’t fund frontline policing."
Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform UK party, said in response: “This is the beginning of the state controlling free speech. It is sinister, dangerous and must be fought. Reform UK will do just that.”
Some have also claimed that posts on social media concerning immigration have been censored because of new laws regulating online speech.
The new police unit will work from the National Police Coordination Centre in Westminster.
