UK Prime Minister says his government will not “surrender” the national symbol to Unite the Kingdom demonstrators
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized anti-government protesters in London, telling them to keep their hands off the national flag, which he said represents “diversity,” not the “division” they promote.
Thousands attended the “Unite the Kingdom” rally on Saturday, organized by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, who described it as “the UK’s biggest free speech festival.” Demonstrators marched through the city with Union flags and St. George’s crosses, carrying placards reading “Stop the Boats” and displaying images of conservative American influencer Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week.
Police deployed around 1,000 officers and imposed restrictions to separate the estimated 150,000-strong crowd from a counter-protest of approximately 5,000 people. Clashes broke out when some demonstrators attempted to breach a cordon near the main stage, resulting in at least 26 injuries and 25 arrests.
People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.
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.
In a post on X on Sunday, Starmer condemned the “assaults on police officers” and accused the rally of “intimidating” residents of different backgrounds and skin colors.
“Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity, and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country, and we will never surrender it to those who use it as a symbol of violence and division,” he wrote.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is known for his nationalist views, said the rally also aimed to defend British heritage and culture. Some rally-goers expressed anger over immigration, describing it as an “invasion.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the turnout — which organizers claimed numbered in the “millions” — was a “klaxon call” for politicians to address immigration and other public concerns.
The rally came one year after anti-immigration riots erupted in several UK cities. It also follows government efforts to ban the Palestine Action group and the arrests of peaceful protesters, as well as growing controversy over Britain’s strict hate speech and online safety laws, which critics say police “wrong” opinions on social media.
