War of words erupts over the causes of the Leeds riots as Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Robert Jenrick weigh in on a violent night of shame

A war of words broke out yesterday over the causes of the Leeds riots.

The violent disorder was condemned from all sides, with the Number 10 describing the scenes in Harehills town center as “shocking and disgraceful”.

Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick said the outbreak of violence showed the need to “get our heads out of the sand” in terms of community cohesion.

But reform leader Nigel Farage, of the US Republican convention, faced a backlash after he wrote on X: “The politics of the subcontinent are currently being played out on the streets of Leeds. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Local sources said the violence was sparked by a dispute between social services and a family of Roma heritage.

Reform MP Lee Anderson also faced criticism for tweeting: “Disgraceful scenes. Import a third world culture, then get third world behavior.

“These animals must be locked up for good. I am a product of the namby pamby who betrayed our great country.

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Mr Farage’s comments were condemned in an editorial in The Yorkshire Post, which said: “Armchair experts hundreds of miles away were judging this great city without any idea of ​​the problems that may or may not have led to the devastating scenes, seeking to capitalize on Harehills pain.

“Chief among them was Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and MP for Clacton.

“Mr Farage needs to remember that he is no longer a stupid street preacher, but an MP whose job it is to represent his constituents.”

Alex Sobel, Labor MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, apologized to Mr Farage, saying: “This is a situation that you know nothing about and no one informed you of.

“Inflame a situation with misinformation.

“Politicians have a responsibility not to make situations worse, especially without knowing them.”

But Jenrick said the riots in Leeds – as well as the disorder in Whitechapel, London – raised serious questions about whether Britain was doing enough to integrate migrants.

The former leader, considered a potential Tory leadership candidate, said: “It’s time to get our heads out of the sand. Building a cohesive and united country is more important than ever.

“Criminal justice must be done. But we also need to reform our immigration system, our integration strategies and our policing model.

“The scenes in Leeds and London ultimately reflect the failure of the British state… Our country is divided and its social fabric disintegrating as a result of past mistakes. A profound change is needed.

Former home minister Priti Patel described Thursday night’s scenes as “shocking and worrying”, adding: “The mob lord should never prevail over the rule of law.”

Downing Street said violent scenes “have no place in our society” and urged police to take “the strongest possible action against the perpetrators”.