While Tommy Robinson is, rightly, being condemned as a primary instigator of last night's riots, don't forget the role that Reform UK and Nigel Farage played in this.
After the tragedies of Southport and Southampton, Nigel Farage 'just asked some questions' of the authorities.
Each time framing his words carefully; coded to provide emphatic subtext.
After the tragedy in Belfast, Farage 'just asked a question' of the authorities. Again, coded language designed to incite?
Zia Yusuf was far more Tommy Robinson than Nigel Farage yesterday. Perhaps the BBC, Sky News etc. might bear this in mind before asking him on their shows three times a week. He is a serious danger.
But it's a stone-cold fact that Farage needs this distraction. He is in serious political trouble — almost two months since he was asked a question in public — he's in hiding.
Stoking, inciting, instigating or encouraging rioting via couched language could be said to provide another layer of protection from scrutiny.
When Farage 'calls for the truth' he sends a signal, loudly, across his fan base — don't believe the authorities.
Complicit? I'd say so.