Patel brands minority of protesters ‘thugs and criminals’

The Home Secretary has denounced those she called thugs and criminals – over the few clashes that broke out at the weekend’s anti-racism protests – declaring they would be brought to justice.

Thousands of people attended the largely peaceful demonstrations across the country – and opposition MPs said now was not the time for divisive rhetoric.

But Priti Patel insisted the police had her full support, while flatly denying claims that she didn’t understand racial inequality.