1 of 10 © Boardworks Ltd 2011

Case study:The UK Riots

2 of 10 © Boardworks Ltd 2011

Learning objectivesWhat happened in the 2011 UK riots?

Can rioting ever be justified?

What were the political responses to the riots?

How were those arrested dealt with?

How can similar riots be prevented in the future?

What next for the UK?

Teacher’s notes included in the Notes PageFlash activity. These activities are not editable.

Web addresses

Icons key:

Cross-curricular links

© Boardworks Ltd 20113 of 10

The Riots in England

© Boardworks Ltd 20114 of 10

Many reasons, one result

© Boardworks Ltd 20115 of 10

The right to riot?

Is there ever a good enough reason to riot? Some say that it is a useful tool for making political change happen. Others say it is a small group of thugs taking advantage of social tensions.

What have you heard in the media about the riots?

Have people supported or defended the rioters?

Do you know of any riots that have taken place in Britain in the past?

Discuss as a class whether you think that people have a right to riot.

© Boardworks Ltd 20116 of 10

Activity

In groups, have a look at these examples of previous riots and decide if you think there is ever a case for rioting. Research what happened, where the riots took place, and reasons for the riots.

The Broadwater Farm riots of 1985

The Spitalfields riots of 1765.

See if you can think of similarities and differences between the riots. As a class decide whether you think that any of these riots were justified. What other options do people have to show how they feel?

© Boardworks Ltd 20117 of 10

Crime and punishment

There were a total of 3443 crimes across London linked to the disorder. Around 3100 people have been arrested for reasons related to the riots, of whom more than 1000 have been charged.

Almost £200 million worth of damage to local businesses and property was caused by rioters. The government promised tough sentences for those charged for crimes relating to the disturbances, and the courts worked extended hours to deal with the number of cases to be heard.

What punishments do you think would be fair?

© Boardworks Ltd 20118 of 10

Sentencing

Do you think that these punishments are fair?

© Boardworks Ltd 20119 of 10

Preventative measures

10 of 10 © Boardworks Ltd 2011

Plan of action