UK unrest: the autocratic axis intensifies efforts to destabilize democracies through manipulating the media and public opinion

On July 30, 2024, riots broke out in the English cities of Southport, Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, Sunderland, Bolton, and other cities. The UK government accused Russia of spreading disinformation that fueled unrest across the country.

Russian state media played a role in spreading false claims about the Southport incident. The emergence of the protests was influenced by the activity of bots associated with state actors, which indicates foreign interference.

Police arrested more than 1,000 protesters. The riots were caused by disinformation spread on social media about an immigrant attacker who allegedly killed three children.