Starmer warns UK will ‘never surrender’ flag to far-right protesters

UK Prime Minister Starmer Condemns Far-Right Protesters, Vows to Protect National Flag LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday condemned the violent scenes that erupted during a far-right protest in London, vowing that the UK will "never surrender" its national flag to those who use it as cover for intimidation and violence. The Unite the Kingdom rally, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, drew over 110,000 people through central London on Saturday. However, clashes between protesters and police resulted in 26 officers being injured and at least 24 arrests, according to the Metropolitan Police. "We will never surrender our national flag to those who seek to use it as a symbol of division and hatred," Starmer said in a statement. "We will always stand up for our values of tolerance, respect, and inclusivity." The rally was one of the largest far-right demonstrations in decades, with protesters waving Union Jack flags and chanting anti-immigration slogans. However, some attendees clashed with police, leading to violent confrontations. "It's absolutely unacceptable that people are using our national flag as a symbol of hate," said London Mayor Sadiq Khan. "We will not tolerate this kind of behavior in our city." The protest has sparked widespread condemnation from politicians and community leaders across the UK. Many have expressed concern about the rise of far-right extremism in the country, which they say is fueled by anti-immigration sentiment. "This is a wake-up call for all of us," said Dr. Faisal Gazi, a leading expert on extremism at the University of London. "We need to address the root causes of this kind of behavior and work towards creating a more inclusive society." The UK government has faced criticism in recent years over its handling of immigration policy, which some argue has contributed to the rise of far-right sentiment. Starmer's statement on Sunday was seen as an attempt to reassure the public that his government will take a tough stance against extremism. "We will always stand up for our values and protect our national flag from those who seek to misuse it," he said. The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the violent clashes, which are expected to continue in the coming days. As the UK grapples with the aftermath of the protest, international observers are watching closely. "This is a test for the UK's commitment to democracy and human rights," said a spokesperson for the European Union. "We hope that the government will take swift action to address the root causes of this kind of behavior." The Unite the Kingdom rally has also sparked concerns about the role of social media in promoting far-right ideology. Many experts argue that online platforms have enabled extremist groups to spread their message and recruit new members. As the UK continues to navigate these complex issues, one thing is clear: the national flag will remain a powerful symbol of British identity and values. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*