Wont surrender to far-right demonstrators: UK PM Starmer on anti-immigration rally
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday broke silence on the ongoing anti-immigration protests going on in Central London. He said that Britain would never support the demands of far-right protestors.
New Delhi: Amidst massive protests hitting streets of Central London over the past two days, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday said that Britain would never surrender to the demands of far-right demonstrators. Starmer claimed that the nation would never entertain people who use national flag as a mark of violence and criticised the attack on police officers.
The protest known as "Unite the Kingdom" was an agitation over the long-standing issue of migration and national identity. Over 150,000 people gathered on the streets to voice their demands to the Centre. The demonstration was spearheaded by far-right activists like Tommy Robinson and Eric Zemmour.
Starmer's fiery X post
Sharing a post on X, Starmer said that people have a right to peacefully protest. He added that it is one of the integral values of the country. However, the government would not tolerate "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 added that Britain rests on the ideas of tolerance, diversity and respect. The national flag throws light on the diversity of our country and it will never surrender it to those who use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division."
The rally
The demonstrations began at Westminster Bridge and ended near Downing Street, with 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.
At its height, the rally extended from Big Ben, across the River Thames, and past Waterloo Station, covering a distance of about three-quarters of a mile. Although largely peaceful, tensions rose later in the afternoon when some demonstrators threw objects at counter-protesters and attempted to breach police barriers. Officers responded with force to maintain control.