UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed that Britain will never allow its national flag to be hijacked by far-right groups after violent clashes at one of the country’s largest anti-immigration rallies in decades.
In his first public response since the unrest, Starmer defended the right to peaceful protest but condemned the violence, including attacks on police and intimidation of minority communities. “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values,” he said. “But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.”
Starmer added that the Union Jack represents unity, tolerance, and diversity, stressing, “We will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”
The rally, held in central London under the slogan “Unite the Kingdom,” drew more than 110,000 people and was led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Violence erupted when bottles were thrown at mounted police, forcing officers to use baton charges. At least 26 officers were injured, and 24 arrests were made. Around 5,000 counter-protesters also gathered in the Whitehall area.
The event featured speeches from far-right leaders across Europe, who delivered inflammatory remarks targeting Muslims and immigrants. Elon Musk, appearing via videolink, also fueled controversy with comments urging “urgent change in government” and warning the crowd to “fight back or die.”
The Metropolitan Police, alongside antifascist groups, strongly condemned the violence and divisive rhetoric. Campaigners warned that the rally reflected a growing wave of far-right extremism in the UK, following a rise in attacks on asylum seeker housing.
