‘People intimidated on our streets’: UK PM Starmer slams far-right rally; vows action after attacks on police

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed Sunday to confront racial intimidation after violent clashes erupted during one of Britain’s largest far-right demonstrations.In a post on X, Starmer said, “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values,” he added, “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.”“Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect,” said Starmer in his first public comments on Saturday’s rally.

The demonstration, organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, brought up to 150,000 people to central London. Police described it as one of the largest far-right gatherings in recent years.Clashes broke out when some protesters attempted to enter “sterile areas” near counter-protesters. The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured, four seriously, after facing “unacceptable violence.” Officers reported being assaulted with kicks, punches, bottles, flares, and other projectiles. Police made 25 arrests.The “Unite the Kingdom” rally centred on migration and national identity. Robinson and other speakers, including far-right European politicians, voiced concerns about migrants’ rights, the so-called “great replacement” of Europeans, and what they described as unchecked migration into the UK. Supporters also expressed opposition to government policies.