(Image source from: AP/PTI)
“Britain will not give up its flag to those who want to use it as a sign of violence, fear, and division,” stated the Prime Minister of Britain, Keir Starmer, after many individuals protested in central London during a “Unite the Kingdom” march led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The protests on Saturday turned violent in London, resulting in injuries to 26 police officers, with four suffering serious injuries. Officers reported being attacked with kicks, punches, bottles, flares, and other objects during the protests, leading to the arrest of 25 individuals. But what exactly took place on Saturday during these gatherings? Who organized them? What caused the anger and violence?
On Saturday, September 13, over 100,000 people, led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, assembled in central London with the theme ‘Unite the Kingdom’. They carried the red-and-white St George’s flag of England and the Union Jack of the UK. The demonstration aimed to promote free speech but had anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments. Participants were heard shouting, “we want our country back” and many held signs that read “stop the boats,” “send them home,” and “enough is enough, save our children.” The crowd also chanted unpleasant phrases about UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming, ‘Keir Starmer’s a wanker,’ and expressed support for the deceased US conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During the march, which stretched from Big Ben across the Thames River to beyond Waterloo train station, a distance of roughly one kilometer, Robinson stated: “Today marks the beginning of a cultural revolution in Great Britain. This is our time.” He added, “Patriotism is the way forward, borders are important, and we want our freedom of speech.” Robinson told the crowd that migrants currently have greater rights in court than the “British public, who built this nation.” Other speakers at the event included French far-right political figure Eric Zemmour and tech mogul Elon Musk, who participated via video call. Zemmour addressed the audience, saying, “We are both experiencing the same issue of our European people being replaced by newcomers from the south and Muslim culture; we are being colonized by our former colonies.”
Additionally, Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X, criticized the UK government, stating, “There’s something wonderful about being British, and what I see happening here is a gradual but increasingly rapid destruction of Britain due to massive uncontrolled migration.” Musk also commented on the killing of Charlie Kirk, saying, “There’s so much violence from the Left, with our colleague Charlie Kirk murdered in cold blood this week, and people on the Left celebrating openly about it. The Left is known for murder and glorifying murder. Just think about that for a moment, this is who we are dealing with.”
Musk further stated, “I am appealing to British common sense, which means looking around and asking: ‘If this keeps happening, what kind of world will you have?’” “Violence is on its way, whether you choose to engage in it or not. You must either fight back or face the consequences, that is the reality, in my opinion.”
By the afternoon, the rally, which had been relatively calm, became more chaotic as tensions rose. A report from the BBC noted that the number of demonstrators, organized by Robinson, grew too large to fit in Whitehall, leading to clashes when officers attempted to separate them from counter-protesters. Mounted police had to use batons to disperse the crowds, and several officers were kicked and struck, according to the Met. The protesters retaliated by hitting the police with fists, kicks and bottles, causing injuries to 26 officers during the altercations. Four of these officers were seriously hurt, suffering from broken teeth, a concussion, a potential broken nose, and a spinal injury.
According to the police, at least 25 individuals were detained for violent conduct, assault, and property damage, and an investigation is currently being conducted. “Many undoubtedly came to peacefully protest, but there were others who came with violent intentions,” said Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist. “They confronted law enforcement, resorting to both physical and verbal attacks while trying to break through barriers meant to keep everyone safe.” The situation was further escalated by the presence of thousands of anti-racism demonstrators who also took to the streets in London. Among those present were leftist politicians like Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott, who held banners that read, “Refugees welcome” and “Smash the far right,” and chanted “Stand up, fight back!” Abbott criticized Robinson and his supporters for spreading false and harmful claims about asylum seekers posing a danger. “We must show solidarity with asylum seekers and demonstrate our unity,” she stated.
Ben Hetchin, a teacher who participated in the protest, expressed concern about the “hate that divides us.” He shared with Reuters that “the more welcoming we are to others, the stronger our nation becomes.” The “Stand Up to Racism” advocacy group announced on X that its protesters were also attacked by followers of Robinson. “Are they really the ‘concerned ordinary people’ we keep hearing about? Or are they just far-right thugs?” they questioned. Following the unrest at the protest, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that the nation would not stand for individuals feeling threatened “due to their background or skin color.” “Everyone has the right to protest peacefully. It is a fundamental part of our national values,” Starmer remarked on X. “However, we will not accept assaults on police officers doing their jobs or allow people feeling unsafe in our streets because of their background or skin color.”
He added, "The United Kingdom is a country that takes pride in its acceptance, variety, and honor." "Our national emblem symbolizes our varied nation, and we will not hand it over to those who misuse it to promote violence, fear, and separation," Starmer stated. Business Secretary Peter Kyle also denounced the violence at the 'Unite the Kingdom' event, expressing, "What troubles me is that when a small group goes too far and starts attacking the police - that is not acceptable and those individuals must and will face consequences." He also criticized Musk for his comments, remarking, "I found those statements to be somewhat confusing and completely unsuitable." Furthermore, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged that anyone found involved in illegal actions would "suffer the full consequences of the law."
Claims about immigrants taking jobs and resources — along with the rising crime rates — are the main causes of the frustration and protests that erupted on Saturday. Indeed, protests against migrants have occurred this summer outside hotels that are accommodating asylum-seekers, sometimes escalating into violence. The supposed absence of free speech in the UK is also fueling the significant demonstrations in London. Last week, over 800 individuals were arrested during a rally supporting the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, which the British government has labeled as a terrorist organization. These arrests have intensified discussions in the UK regarding free speech, which Robinson and leftist critics argue is being limited.
