UK PM Keir Starmer Condemns Violence at Far-Right Rally, Says Britain Built on Tolerance and Diversity

A day after a far-right anti-immigration rally drew over 100,000 people to central London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the violence and attacks on police officers, reaffirming that the UK is a nation founded on values of tolerance, diversity, and respect.

The “Unite the Kingdom” march, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, descended into chaos when a faction of supporters clashed with police. According to the Metropolitan Police, 26 officers were injured after being punched, kicked, or struck by bottles thrown from the edges of the protest. At least 25 people were arrested, with more expected as investigations continue. Riot police with helmets and shields were called in to assist over 1,000 officers already deployed at the scene.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Starmer stated, "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."

He further reiterated Britain’s core identity, saying, “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, fear and division.”

The rally also took a dramatic turn when tech billionaire Elon Musk appeared via video link, delivering a provocative message that stirred further controversy. Speaking alongside Tommy Robinson, Musk declared, “You either fight back or you die,” warning the crowd that “violence is coming.”

He accused the UK government of failing its citizens, calling for the dissolution of Parliament and a complete change in leadership. Musk blamed what he described as “massive uncontrolled migration” for the “destruction of Britain,” and controversially labelled the political left as “the party of murder and celebrating murder.”

Musk’s inflammatory remarks have drawn sharp criticism across the political spectrum, with many accusing him of inciting hate and deepening social division during an already volatile moment in British politics.