'Won't Stand For Assault': UK PM Condemns Far‑Right Anti-Immigration Protests

Last Updated:September 14, 2025, 20:21 IST

Starmer’s statement came as clashes broke out during the rally, with police reporting 25 arrests and 26 officers injured, including four seriously

The protest, called “Unite the Kingdom”, was organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson and saw up to 150,000 people gather. (AFP photos)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday condemned the violence and intimidation seen during Saturday’s massive far-right protest in central London, saying Britain “will not stand for assaults on police officers or for people feeling intimidated because of their background or the colour of their skin."

The protest, called “Unite the Kingdom", was organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson and saw up to 150,000 people gather in what experts say may be Britain’s largest far-right rally ever.

Speaking publicly for the first time about Saturday’s event, Starmer in a post on X wrote, “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."

The UK Prime Minister further added, “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 that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division."

Starmer’s statement came as clashes broke out during the rally, with police reporting 25 arrests and 26 officers injured, including four seriously. Some protesters attacked officers as they tried to control the crowds. Many demonstrators were draped in English and British flags and carried anti-immigration slogans.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said while many attended to protest peacefully, “there were many who came intent on violence".

About 1,000 officers were deployed to manage the crowds and keep them separate from a nearby anti-racism march of around 5,000 people, organised by ‘Stand Up to Racism’.

Far-Right Speakers, Online Influence

The protest march began at Westminster Bridge and ended near Downing Street, featuring far-right figures from the UK, Europe, and North America, including French politician Eric Zemmour and German MP Petr Bystron of the AfD party. Elon Musk also appeared via video, making controversial remarks and criticising left-wing politics.

“You’re in a fundamental situation here," the tech billionaire told the crowd, claiming “the left is the party of murder and celebrating murder".

“Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die," Musk stated.

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, called the event a “free speech festival". He posted photos of the crowd and referenced Charlie Kirk, a right-wing US activist who was killed earlier this year, saying, “This one is for you Charlie Kirk."

Attendees carried placards with anti-immigration slogans like “Stop the Boats" and some criticised Labour and Starmer directly.

(With inputs from agencies)

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News world 'Won't Stand For Assault': UK PM Condemns Far‑Right Anti-Immigration Protests

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