One of the Isle of Wight's MPs has called remarks made by the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, in the wake of violence and protests across the country, "disappointing and verging on irresponsible".

Richard Quigley said Conservative PCC Donna Jones is "sowing more division", after she said protest groups were motivated by the need to "uphold British values".

The PCC also said "arresting people” is “treating the symptom and not the cause”.

Although no protests on the Island, hundreds of people have taken to the streets UK-wide following the Southport stabbings last week.

Read more: Donna Jones criticised for comments on Southport protests

Following backlash, Ms Jones issued another statement "standing by" what she initially said.

“As a country this issue is something we should seek to understand without letting it divide us", she said.

“I am confident there will be a time and place for that discussion in due course.”

MP for Isle of Wight West, Labour's Richard Quigley, said: "It's extremely disappointing and verging on irresponsible for our Conservative PCC to play politics at a time like this. 

"Her assertion of two tier policing doesn't reflect my experience of our police force and if it were true, she'd be better explaining how she's allowed that to happen.

"Rather than sowing more division, we need to come together as a community and move on from what is clearly organised thuggery." 

When contacted, Conservative Joe Robertson, Isle of Wight East MP, would not comment on Ms Jones' statement but did condemn the violence.

He said: "There is no excuse and no context that helps explain this violent, criminal thuggery.

"This is not the backdrop to have a debate about immigration or British values other than to say unequivocally, this behaviour is in direct opposition to British values of democracy, debate, respecting others, protecting minorities and the rule of law.

"Now is the time to speak up for law and order and support our brave police officers in bringing criminals to justice."