Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's top police chief is under fire for saying protest groups are motivated by the need to “uphold British values”.

Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, said “arresting people” is “treating the symptom and not the cause” in the wake of protests which have descended into riots across the country.

She is now facing calls to quit from opponents, including some MPs in the county.

Hundreds of people have taken to the streets following the Southport stabbings last week, including in Hampshire.

Ms Jones, a Conservative party politician and former leader of Portsmouth City Council, said the government “must acknowledge” what is causing this civil unrest.

But the statement, published on the Hampshire PCC website, now appears to have been deleted.

Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, said Ms Jones’ position as PCC is “clearly untenable”.

She said: “Far from appealing for calm, the statement by Hampshire PCC Donna Jones attempting to justify the criminality we have seen across the UK this week is divisive, inflammatory and grossly irresponsible.

“Her position is clearly untenable.”

READ MORE: Police make five arrests after protest descends into violence

She has also been criticised by Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester.

He said he was “deeply concerned” about her remarks, adding: “These extreme views make her totally unsuitable to hold this position of responsibility.”

Ms Jones, who has been Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner since 2021 and also chairs the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, posed questions to the government in her statement.

She said: “The questions these people want answering; what is the government’s solution to mass uncontrolled immigration?

“How are the new Labour government going to uphold and build on British values? This is the biggest challenge facing Sir Kier Starmer’s government, and its bitten quickly.”

Her words have been described as “totally unacceptable”.

Former chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal said: “I, as a former CEO of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, would have heavily advised against a current PCC, let alone the chair, appearing to justify rioting and criminality that police officers are bravely having to deal with right now.”

Cllr Alex Lee, leader of the Basingstoke Labour group, added: “Donna Jones’ statement failing to condemn the riots across the country.

"It’s a deeply troubling statement and she should step down immediately.”

Island MPs Joe Robertson and Richard Quigley have been approached for a comment. 

IW West MP, Richard Quigley, has endorsed a statement released by Labour PCC’s office, which reads: “As Labour Police and Crime Commissioners, we want to be very clear that the statement issued by Donna Jones, the PCC for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on Saturday, August 3, does not represent our views.

“There is absolutely no excuse or justification for the mindless destruction, vandalism and violence seen in cities and towns across the country this week.

“It puts the safety of our police officers and our residents in grave danger, and it is leading to chaos and criminality on our streets.

“It is not protest. It is serious violent disorder, and it is intolerable.

“All those who have taken part in these despicable acts should expect to feel the full force of the law. We have already seen more than 100 arrests across the country and more will follow.

“The mindless thuggery that we have seen this week stems from a wave of misinformation and lies spread by those seeking to sow division and hate following the unspeakable tragedy which took place in Southport on Monday.

“These sickening scenes only insult those grieving families and that heartbroken community.

“Our focus as Labour PCCs is to support our police forces to bring this violent disorder to an end, provide care for those affected and reassure our communities.

“Now, more than ever, we must stand together.”