Sir Keir Starmer has asserted that Britain will not cede its national flag to those who seek to exploit it as an emblem of violence, fear, and division.
The prime minister emphasized that the flag embodies “our diverse country” and affirmed his commitment to preventing individuals from feeling intimidated on “our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.”
These remarks follow a “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London, organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which drew over 150,000 participants. A counter-protest, coordinated by Stand Up To Racism, also took place, attracting approximately 5,000 individuals.
Earlier, Business Secretary Peter Kyle noted that the marchers were “demonstrating freedom of association and freedom of speech.”
On Sunday afternoon, the prime minister stated: “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.
“However, we will not tolerate assaults on police officers fulfilling their duties, nor will we accept individuals feeling intimidated on our streets due to their background or skin colour.
“Britain is a nation proudly founded on tolerance, diversity, and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country, and we will never surrender it to those who would use it as a symbol of violence, fear, and division.”
According to police reports, 26 officers sustained injuries during the day, including four who suffered serious harm, and 24 individuals were arrested.
Throughout much of Saturday afternoon, central London was filled with thousands of people waving primarily Union Jack flags, along with St George’s flags. Scottish Saltires and Welsh flags were also observed.
Speaking about the protests, Kyle said on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg moments like these were “klaxon calls” for those in power to redouble their efforts to address the big concerns people have, including on immigration.
“What worries me most is the divisions in our society and other societies and other democratic societies… it’s not even the left and the right at the moment,” he told the programme.
“There are figures such as Tommy Robinson that are able to touch into a sense of disquiet and grievance in the community in our society,” he said.
He affirmed that the “small minority” who committed violence would be held accountable.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk addressed protesters on Whitehall via videolink, urging them to “fight back” or “die”. He also referenced massive uncontrolled migration and called for a change of government in the UK.
Kyle criticized some of Musk’s comments as “totally inappropriate”.
Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, directly addressed the crowds at the march, criticizing politicians for “parroting” his ideas.
A substantial policing operation was implemented for the protests, with approximately 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers deployed, supplemented by an additional 500 officers from other forces, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Devon and Cornwall.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist stated: “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.”
The protest was largely peaceful on Saturday lunchtime but as the afternoon continued, tensions flared.
The Met said some officers had been attacked while trying to keep the two groups apart and dozens of officers were injured, including four who were seriously hurt.
Police reported that the number of protesters participating in the march organized by Robinson exceeded the capacity of Whitehall, leading to confrontations when officers attempted to prevent them from encircling counter-protesters.
Mounted police officers employed batons to push back the crowds, and officers were subjected to kicking and punching, according to the Met.
Among the 24 individuals arrested, three were women, and the ages of those detained ranged from 19 to 58, the force announced on Sunday.
Several individuals were arrested for multiple offenses.
The force added officers were working to identify other people involved in disorder with a view to making further arrests.
The 37-year-old man has been charged with racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, the Met Police said.
The accusations include excessive use of force, discriminatory and misogynistic comments.
The 37-year-old man was arrested in the Hendon area in connection with seven offences.
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