LONDON: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned violent scenes at a far-right rally in London, warning that Britain will not tolerate intimidation based on race, religion, or background.
The protest, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, drew as many as 150,000 people on Saturday, according to police.
Clashes erupted near Downing Street, leaving 26 officers injured four seriously and resulting in 24 arrests.
Peaceful protest is a core value of our country, but we will never accept assaults on police officers or people feeling threatened on our streets, Starmer said in a statement.
He added that the Union Jack represents a diverse nation and must not be “surrendered to violence, fear, and division.
The Metropolitan Police said those arrested 21 men and three women, aged 19 to 58—face charges ranging from assault and criminal damage to possession of offensive weapons. Investigators are reviewing footage to identify more suspects.
According to police, the violence escalated when Robinson’s supporters attempted to reach counterdemonstrators at a nearby Stand Up To Racism rally. Officers reported being punched and kicked while bottles, flares, and other objects were thrown.
The rally, dubbed Unite the Kingdom, also featured speeches by far-right figures from Europe and North America.
In a video address, billionaire Elon Musk called for the dissolution of parliament and claimed violence is coming remarks that drew heavy criticism from anti-racism campaigners.
Hope Not Hate, a UK-based watchdog, described the gathering as the country’s largest-ever far-right protest.
The group warned of increasing efforts to mainstream viciously anti-migrant and anti-Muslim sentiment in British politics.
Despite the unrest, Starmer insisted the government would uphold tolerance and diversity. “Britain is proudly built on respect, and we will not allow extremists to undermine that,” he said.
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