Britain will never surrender its flag to fear, says Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer says the country should never surrender its flag to become a symbol of “violence, fear and division” following a huge protest organised by Tommy Robinson, as the backlash grows over Elon Musk’s remarks at the rally.

- HELEN CORBETT TARA COBHAM

In his first comments since more than 110,000 people joined the march in central London on Saturday, the prime minister also stated the government “will not stand” for assaults on police officers, after 26 were injured, four seriously.

The demonstration, organised under the banner “Unite the Kingdom”, saw Whitehall filled with union flags and St George’s flags as the tens of thousands of protesters listened to speakers, including Mr Musk, who appeared on screens through a video link.

But there was condemnation after clashes broke out between some protesters and police, as well as outcry over the Tesla and X owner, who called for the dissolution of parliament, while encouraging Britons to “fight back or die” over the “destruction of Britain” caused by “massive uncontrolled migration”.

In a statement shared on social media yesterday, Sir Keir wrote: “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.

“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.

“Britain is a nation proudly 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.”

Assistant Met commissioner Matt Twist said on Saturday that police faced a “wholly unacceptable” level of violence, while home secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed that anyone “taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law”.