UK PM says London rallies are promoting “division”
(MENAFN) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized anti-government demonstrators in London, accusing them of using the national flag to foster “division” rather than the “diversity” it is meant to symbolize.
Tens of thousands attended the “Unite the Kingdom” rally on Saturday, organized by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, who called it “the UK’s biggest free speech festival.” Protesters carried Union flags and St. George’s crosses, held placards reading “Stop the Boats,” and displayed images of conservative American influencer Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last week.
Authorities deployed around 1,000 police officers and implemented measures to separate the estimated 150,000-strong crowd from a counter-protest of roughly 5,000 people. Clashes occurred when some demonstrators tried to breach a cordon near the main stage, resulting in 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 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 is known for his nationalist views, said the rally also sought to defend British heritage and culture. Some participants voiced anger over immigration, describing it as an “invasion.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the turnout—claimed by organizers to number in the “millions”—served as a “klaxon call” for politicians to address immigration and other public concerns.
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