【Text by Observers Network, Wang Kaiwen】The issue of immigration continues to divide British society.

On the afternoon of September 13th, more than 100,000 people gathered in London to participate in a far-right anti-immigration protest, during which some protesters and police had intense clashes.

Prime Minister Starmer made his first statement on this matter on the 14th. According to The Guardian, Starmer condemned the attacks on the police and racist harassment in a statement, saying that the UK will never hand over its flag to those who use it to cover violence and spread fear.

The demonstration held in London on the 13th was organized by British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, bringing the recent tense anti-immigration atmosphere in the UK to a peak.

On the afternoon of September 13th, there was a large-scale protest in London, where demonstrators clashed violently with the British police. Visual China

Police estimated that between 110,000 and 150,000 people participated, and 26 officers were injured during the demonstration, four of whom suffered serious injuries. Reuters said that this is one of the largest right-wing demonstrations in modern British history.

According to British media reports, demonstrators chanted slogans criticizing Starmer, holding up banners reading "Stop these boats", "Send them home", "Enough, save our children", calling for the expulsion of immigrants who arrive in the UK by boat seeking asylum. Many people held the Union Jack and the St. George's Cross, representing England.

In response to this demonstration, Starmer stated that violent and intimidating behavior is unacceptable, and he also condemned the misuse of the British flag by anti-immigration protesters.

"People have the right to peaceful protests. This is at the core of our values. But we will not tolerate attacks on police officers performing their duties, nor will we tolerate anyone being harassed on the streets because of their background or skin color," Starmer said.

He further stated, "The UK is a country proud of its foundation on tolerance, diversity, and respect. Our flag represents our diverse nation, and we will never hand it over to those who use it as a symbol of violence, fear, and division."

At the time of the anti-immigration demonstration, the Starmer government was under great pressure due to the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, cabinet reshuffles, and the dismissal of British ambassador to the US Mandelson, who had close ties with Epstein.

This week, President Trump will make a state visit to the UK. The Guardian analyzed that Starmer may be questioned about his handling of Mandelson and right-wing forces during the visit.

On the 13th, Elon Musk appeared at the demonstration via video link, calling on the British people to "dissolve parliament and hold new elections," "I really think the UK must change its government, we can't wait another four years — no matter when the next election is, it's too long."

Starmer did not respond to Musk's remarks. On the 14th, Peter Kyle, the UK Minister for Business and Trade, was asked on a BBC program whether Musk's comments incited violence, and he said, "I think those words are somewhat absurd and completely inappropriate."

Ed Davey, leader of the UK Liberal Democrats, argued that Musk "doesn't care about the British people or our rights, he only cares about himself and his vanity."

Kyle said that the protest was a warning from the public to MPs, urging them to address the immigration issue and other public concerns.

"There is an increasing rift between some communities, and people like Tommy Robinson can trigger feelings of anxiety and dissatisfaction among certain groups in our society," Kyle said. He stated that given the ongoing scenes of division, the UK government is determined to work on reuniting communities, but so far, this remains an unresolved issue.

According to The Independent, London police stated on the 14th that 24 demonstrators have been arrested so far for alleged gang fighting, violent riots, assault, and criminal damage, including three women, and the rest are men aged between 19 and 58. Police are working to identify other participants in the riots, and more arrests may occur in the coming days and weeks.

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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7550152719492628992/

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