Starmer condemns ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally that ‘sent shiver’ through communities

LONDON: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Saturday’s “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration in central London, saying it has left people feeling “more scared than they were before” - in reference to how threats were made to Muslims and other ethnic minorities and religions by the far-right speakers.

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for Saturday’s protest organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Some 26 police officers were injured, including four who were seriously hurt, and 24 people were arrested for a range of offences including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage. Speeches were made openly against Muslims, Islam and migrant communities, inciting violence against them.

In an interview with Channel 4 News, the prime minister described the demonstration as “plastic patriotism”, adding that it had been more than “just very bad behaviour”. He said: “It sent a shiver through so many of our communities who now feel more scared than they did before. I understand that.”

In his Channel 4 interview, Sir Keir sought to associate Saturday’s events with Reform UK, saying he was “absolutely determined to lead in this fight of our times between renewal, the patriotic cause of the Labour Party, and the division and toxic chaos and decline that would come under Reform”. Earlier on Monday, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage had condemned the violence used against police on Saturday, saying it was “horrible” and he “feared something like that would happen”.