The UK Prime Minister asserted his government will not “relinquish” the national emblem to Unite the Kingdom demonstrators
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized anti-government protesters in London, urging them to respect the national flag, which he stated represents “diversity,” not the “division” they advocate.
Thousands participated in the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration on Saturday, organized by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, who labeled it “the UK’s largest free speech festival.” Demonstrators marched through the city bearing Union flags and St. George’s crosses, carrying signs proclaiming “Stop the Boats” and displaying images of conservative American influencer Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed last week.
Police deployed approximately 1,000 officers and implemented restrictions to keep the estimated 150,000-strong crowd separate from a counter-protest of around 5,000 individuals. Clashes ensued when some demonstrators attempted to breach a police cordon near the main stage, leading to at least 26 injuries and 25 arrests.
In a post on X on Sunday, Starmer condemned the “assaults on police officers” and accused the rally of “intimidating” residents from diverse backgrounds and skin colors.
“Britain is a nation proudly founded on tolerance, diversity, and respect. Our flag symbolizes our varied country, and we will never cede it to those who employ it as a symbol of violence and division,” he wrote.
Robinson, whose actual name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is known for his nationalist viewpoints, stated the rally also aimed to safeguard British heritage and culture. Some attendees expressed their anger over immigration, characterizing it as an “invasion.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle remarked that the turnout — which organizers claimed reached into the “millions” — served as a “loud warning” for politicians to address immigration and other public concerns.
This rally took place one year after anti-immigration riots erupted in several UK cities. It also follows government endeavors to prohibit the Palestine Action group and the arrests of peaceful demonstrators, as well as increasing controversy surrounding Britain’s stringent hate speech and online safety laws, which critics argue police “wrongly” censor opinions on social media.