UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the use of the national flag as a symbol of violence and division following “Unite the Kingdom” march in central London attended by over 150,000 people, alongside a 5,000-strong counter-protest.

Starmer emphasized that the flag represents the country’s diversity and pledged that intimidation or assaults based on background or skin color would not be tolerated.

Police reported 26 officers injured, including four seriously, and 24 arrests, while Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist claimed that some participants came intent on violence, the BBC has reported.

The protest featured speeches from right-wing political figures, including Tommy Robinson, and a videolink address from Elon Musk, prompting criticism from officials.