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The Independent

Rayner criticised over summer riots warning

Michael Gove has criticised Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner 's warnings about potential summer violence, stating they could "tacitly encourage" riots and were a "big mistake". Ms Rayner on Tuesday warned cabinet colleagues about rising community tensions, linking them to economic difficulties, immigration, and declining living standards, following violent incidents in Epping. Mr Gove, a former Tory communities secretary, argued that predicting such violence makes it seem inevitable and portrays the government as being "at the mercy of events". He also cautioned against anticipating or encouraging violence. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she does not expect another summer of riots but highlighted the need for vigilance, blaming Labour for strains on social cohesion.