Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed Britain will not
tolerate intimidation or racism after a massive far-right protest in London
descended into violent clashes with police.
The rally, organized by activist Tommy Robinson and
attended by an estimated 150,000 people, saw 26 police officers injured four
seriously and 24 arrests. London’s Metropolitan Police said more arrests are
expected as investigations continue.
“People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core
to our country’s values,” Starmer said in a statement on X. “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.”
Protesters, carrying English, British and Christian
flags, marched over Westminster Bridge before gathering near Downing Street,
where speeches were delivered by far-right figures from across Europe and North
America. Elon Musk, speaking by video, urged the dissolution of Britain’s
parliament and warned of “violence” ahead remarks that drew widespread
condemnation.
The clashes began when activists tried to enter areas
near a nearby anti-racism march organised by Stand Up to Racism. Police said
officers were attacked with punches, kicks, bottles, flares and other
projectiles.
Anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate described the event
as the largest far-right protest in modern British history, warning that
its openly anti-migrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric was a “sign of dark times to
come.”
Starmer, who faced criticism from protesters at the
rally, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion:
“Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to
those who use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”
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