UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged that Britain will “never surrender” its national flag to far-right protesters following violent scenes at one of the country’s largest demonstrations against immigration in decades.

In his first remarks since the rally, Starmer underlined that peaceful protest was a fundamental British value but condemned assaults on police officers and intimidation of minority communities.

“People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values,” Starmer 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.”

He added that Britain’s flag symbolises tolerance and diversity: “We will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”

Violence erupts at London rally

The rally, held on Saturday under the banner “Unite the Kingdom,” drew more than 110,000 people through central London, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

Clashes broke out as bottles were hurled at mounted police, forcing baton charges to push back Robinson’s supporters. The Metropolitan Police confirmed 26 officers were injured and at least 24 people were arrested. Around 5,000 counterdemonstrators also gathered in the Whitehall area.

Far-right leaders deliver inflammatory speeches

A stage was set for speeches from a lineup of European far-right figures. Robinson told the crowd, “It’s not just Britain that is being invaded. It’s not just Britain that is being raped.”

French politician Eric Zemmour echoed the controversial “great replacement” conspiracy theory, claiming European populations were being replaced by immigrants of Muslim background. Belgian leader Filip Dewinter went further, declaring: “Islam is our real enemy. We have to get rid of Islam. Islam does not belong in Europe, and Islam does not belong in the UK.”

Other speakers included Danish People’s Party leader Morten Messerschmidt, German AfD MP Petr Bystron, and Polish politician Dominik Tarczynski.

Tesla CEO and X Chairman Elon Musk also joined by videolink, telling protesters that the UK needed an “urgent change in government.” He warned the audience to “fight back” or “die,” remarks that drew sharp criticism from antifascist campaign groups.

Police and groups condemn violence

Antifascist campaign group Hope Not Hate condemned the rally’s speeches as “extremely disturbing,” while the government and police officials decried the violence and intimidation.

The event came amid a surge in far-right attacks in the UK, including recent arson incidents targeting hotels housing asylum seekers.