Press Review: Harehills Unrest – July 2024

Calm amidst chaos: The heroic stand of Councillor Mothin Ali in the Harehills unrest

The Harehills unrest of July 2024 has become a major topic in national news and across online platforms, drawing significant attention due to the intensity of the events and the community’s reaction.
Central to the coverage is Green Party Councillor Mothin Ali, whose actions during the turmoil have received widespread praise. Representing the Gipton and Harehills ward, Ali played a key role in de-escalating the violence, notably by forming a human shield to protect police officers and urging residents to remain calm.


This press review includes interviews from BBC News, Owen Jones, and The Guardian.

By: Serena Ferrari, Leeds Green Party Web Officer, Media team coordinator.

Mothin Ali: Bridging the gap between the community and local authority – BBC Look North 20 July

Leeds News: Cllr Mothin interviewed by Owen Jones

HERO Local Politician tells me truth w/. Mothin Ali

In the video titled “HERO Local Politician Tells Me Truth – w/ Mothin Ali,” journalist Owen Jones conducts a compelling interview with Cllr Mothin Ali for Gipton and Harehills ward.

#HeroOfHarehills

Leeds News: Cllr Mothin Ali – “The Guardian”

“there are children in there“: Moment Councillor stops violence escalating in Leeds riot

Alongside other local residents, Ali Mothin was instrumental in calming the situation in Harehills. He stopped rioters from adding objects to the blaze, dragged pallets and wheelie bins away from the fire, and remained in the Luxor Road area until late into the night to impress upon the residents the need for calm.

#HeroOfHarehills

Telegraph News

Footage shows Cllr Mothin Ali attempting to stop the violence

Footage shared on social media shows Councillor Mothin Ali attempting to stop the violence as the crowd erupts in chaos.

#HeroOfHarehills

The Guardian: “We’re in it together”

‘We’re in it together’: how unrest in Leeds escalated – and was defused Night that began with flipped car, fires and police in retreat ended with residents bringing water in wheelie bins to douse flames

‘We’re in it together’: how unrest in Leeds escalated – and was defused

Night that began with flipped car, fires and police in retreat ended with residents bringing water in wheelie bins to douse flames.

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#HeroOfHarehills

The Guardian view on unrest in Leeds

The Guardian view on unrest in Leeds: fodder for far-right disinformation.

Following serious disorder, Nigel Farage’s cynical response was an attempt to import Trump-style discord into our cities.

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#HeroOfHarehills #TheGuardian

BBC News: We were human shields for police – councillor

We were human shields for police

Green Party councillor Mothin Ali, who attended the scene on Thursday night and attempted to calm the situation, has been speaking to BBC Look North in Harehills.

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#HeroOfHarehills

The London economics: “Hero of Harehills”

Green Party councillor dubbed ‘Hero Of Harehills’ after forming human shield to stop violence in Leeds

The Green Party MP who formed a human shield to prevent violent scenes from escalating in Leeds is being dubbed the “Hero of Harehills” by people on social media.

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#HeroOfHarehills

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