Leicester Civil Disorders Review Commission launches evidence appeal

An inquiry into the 2022 civil unrest in Leicester has today launched a call for evidence. The Leicester Independent Review Committee, chaired by Lord Austin, was set up to establish what happened, why it happened and what can be done differently to prevent it happening again.

The riots were sparked by tensions between the city’s Muslim and Hindu communities in August and September 2022. Days of violent disorder broke out in east Leicester following the conclusion of an India-Pakistan cricket match.

More than 70 arrests were made in connection with the disturbances. Lord Austin, who is an independent, said today: “Leicester is a city with a long and proud history of diversity and inclusion, which makes the events of 2022 all the more shocking and upsetting for many.”

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“We want to support Leicester as they try to tackle their challenges, build on their strengths and work through the difficult events that have taken place in 2022. We want to hear from everyone who knows their city best and can help us to create a comprehensive plan and inclusive review that delivers for the people of Leicester.”

Much controversy surrounded Lord Austin’s appointment to lead the review, with city councillors, community organizations and the Muslim Council of Britain claiming he had a “divisive record” and “lack of legal background”. Lord Austin hit back at his critics at the time, saying he went into the trial with a “completely open mind”.

Launching the appeal today, a Government spokesman said the review panel wanted to hear from affected communities, individuals, organizations and groups. Three key areas form the call for testimony. The inquiry seeks to gather evidence to gain a better understanding of:

• What happened during the disturbance

• What contributed to the disorder

• What can be done to prevent future unrest in Leicester

The spokesman said the review would be “inclusive and representative” and that the group was “keen to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the findings are inclusive and representative”.

They said: “The Commission seeks testimony and insight from all those involved in and affected by civil unrest, as well as from organizations with experience in community cohesion.”

The panel invites responses from:

• Leicester residents who live in Leicester now and/or during the disturbances and were involved in or affected by these events
• Local organizations working with affected communities
• Other organisations, academics or office holders with expertise in social cohesion or other key themes