Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed that Britain will “never surrender” the St George’s flag to far-right protesters, condemning violence, racist intimidation, and attacks against police officers during the largest nationalist march in decades.
Starmer defends the English flag
Speaking after Saturday’s rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, Starmer said the flag represents the country’s diverse and tolerant society.
“Our flag represents our diverse country, and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division,” Starmer said in a statement.
He stressed that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, intimidation and assaults on police officers are unacceptable.
Far-right rally and Musk’s controversial speech
Police estimated that 110,000 to 150,000 people joined the protest in London, which saw 26 officers injured and 24 arrests for violent disorder and assault.
The event featured speeches from Robinson and other far-right figures. Elon Musk, owner of X and former Trump ally, addressed the crowd, warning that “violence is coming” and calling for the dissolution of parliament. His comments drew sharp criticism from political leaders across parties.
Political reactions across parties
- Labour MPs welcomed Starmer’s strong stance but criticized earlier remarks by business secretary Peter Kyle, who described the rally as a “klaxon call” reflecting community grievances.
- Stella Creasy, Labour MP, said protests must not become a “march of fear” and urged clarity in challenging extremist rhetoric.
- Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat leader, called Musk’s speech “deeply dangerous” and urged Conservatives to join in condemning far-right incitement.
Growing pressure on Labour
Before the march, anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate had called on the government to publicly denounce the rise of far-right rhetoric. Some Labour members worried the party had been too cautious in its messaging, but Starmer’s intervention is seen as an attempt to reassure supporters of Labour’s commitment to tolerance and diversity.
Police investigation underway
Authorities are investigating threats made during the protest, including a video in which one man called for Starmer’s assassination. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are seeking to identify him and others who incited violence.
Starmer’s words underline his intent to reclaim the English flag as a symbol of unity rather than fear. Yet, with far-right figures drawing huge crowds and global influencers like Musk amplifying extremist narratives, the UK faces a rising challenge in defending democracy against hate-driven politics.
