Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has joined four other independent MPs in writing to the Home Secretary asking for tougher measures over recent far-right ‘protests’.

Mr Hussain joined Jeremy Corbyn, Ayoub Khan, Iqbal Mohamed and Shockat Adam in informing Yvette Cooper they believe the Prime Minister's stance on the issue does not go far enough.

In a letter to Ms Cooper, they said Prime Minister Keir Starmer should stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the victims of the violence and "stop “pandering to those who helped stir up the issue".

Riots have occurred up and down the country in recent days, sparked by the deaths of three girls in Southport and misinformation spread about the alleged perpetrator.

Over the weekend Lancashire saw 22 people arrested as major disruption occurred in Blackpool and dispersal orders were issued in parts of Preston and Blackburn.

Mr Hussain and the four other independent MPs said they were "alarmed by the Government’s inaction" to meet with the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).

The MCB in recent days has welcomed emergency security for mosques introduced by the Government, commended the Prime Minister for his speech on the ongoing riots and reassurance, and thanked the Home Secretary for her "strong and robust message highlighting the awful Islamophobia and abuse targeted at mosques and Muslim communities".

They have additionally asked to meet with the Home Secretary to discuss what actions are in place to stamp out the issue.

They wrote: “While we welcome the Prime Minister’s condemnation of the ‘far-right thuggery’ that has scarred our towns and cities this weekend, we feel his words do not go nearly far enough in identifying the anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim hatred driving this violence. 

“When people are under attack for the colour of their skin and their faith, Government references to ‘understandable fears’ send mixed messages and only give succour to those seeking to sow hatred and division. 

“At a time when gangs of violent racist thugs are targeting mosques and asylum centres, we are alarmed the Government has said they have no plans to meet with the largest body representing Muslims in the UK, the Muslim Council of Britain.

“We find it inconceivable representatives of any other faith community would be treated in a similar manner. 

“Instead of pandering to those who have helped ferment the ugly racism behind these protests, we expect our Government to call out the bigotry and Islamophobia behind them and stand shoulder to shoulder with its victims. 

 “We reject any narrative that seeks to blame asylum seekers and immigrant communities for the decades of austerity and the subsequent decline in stable and well-paid jobs that has eroded the fabric of once-secure communities.” 

A new rapid response programme was issued by The Home Office on Sunday stating that mosques would be offered greater protection to tackle the risk of further attacks on places of worship.