London, England — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out on Sunday following a massive anti-immigration march in London, reaffirming that people have a right to peaceful protest while condemning attacks on police officers. More than 100,000 demonstrators took part in the march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson on Saturday. Authorities reported that 26 officers were injured and at least 25 people were arrested, with additional arrests expected as investigations continue.
Starmer took to X to underline the distinction between lawful demonstrations and violent acts. “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values,” he said. “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.
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The rally highlighted immigration as a key political issue in Britain, surpassing even concerns over the struggling economy. The UK has seen a record number of asylum claims this year, with more than 28,000 migrants arriving in small boats across the English Channel so far. Many participants waved red and white English flags as well as the Union Jack, symbolizing the entire country.
Starmer emphasized that Britain is built on tolerance, diversity, and respect. “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,” he said.
The size of the turnout reportedly exceeded police expectations, with parts of the march spilling beyond the approved route. Officers faced significant challenges, encountering physical attacks including kicks, punches, and projectiles thrown by participants. Despite the scale and tension, Starmer stressed that the right to peaceful protest must be preserved as a cornerstone of British democracy.
The event has sparked renewed debate about the balance between free expression and public safety in the UK, as authorities review security measures and consider how to handle large-scale demonstrations in the future.
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