Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration, saying it sent a “shiver” through the UK.
The prime minister is also facing demands to sanction Elon Musk – who has now lashed out at the calls – after the tech billionaire called for the dissolution of parliament in comments to the up to 150,000 demonstrators on Saturday.
The X and Tesla owner’s speech at the London rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson – in which he also told protesters to “either fight back or you die” – has been denounced as “inappropriate” and “disgusting”.
In an interview with Channel 4 News on Monday, Sir Keir described the demonstration as “plastic patriotism”, adding that it had been more than “just very bad behaviour”.
He said: “It sent a shiver through so many of our communities who now feel more scared than they did before. I understand that.”
On Sunday, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey wrote to the prime minister, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and UK Reform leader Nigel Farage, urging them to join him in “condemning Mr Musk's dangerous remarks inciting violence ” and to consider sanctions against Musk.
The tech billionaire has now hit back, calling Mr Davey a “craven coward”.
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Key Points
- Starmer 'will not stand' for violence against police or 'intimidation' on streets
- No 10 slams Musk's 'dangerous and inflammatory' language
- Davey calls for Musk to be sanctioned
- Musk hits back at Davey's call for sanctions
- Davey responds to Musk's lashing out at him
- Elon Musk tells Robinson protest ‘violence is coming’ in call for change in UK government
Nigel Farage breaks silence after Elon Musk urges UK to ‘fight or die’ at Tommy Robinson march
04:00
,
Tom Watling
The far-right march was a significant event, and a sinister one
02:01
,
Tom Watling
Elon Musk issues chilling ‘fight back or you die’ message at Tommy Robinson rally
00:00
,
Tom Watling
Think Rylan is right about asylum-seekers? So does Tommy Robinson…
23:03
,
Tom Watling
Who is Tommy Robinson: From apprentice aircraft engineer to right-wing activist
22:04
,
Tom Watling
James frontman ‘disgusted’ after Tommy Robinson uses indie band song ‘Sit Down’ at protest
21:03
,
Tom Watling
Dozens of police officers injured and 25 arrests as huge Tommy Robinson rally marred by violence
20:03
,
Tom Watling
Davey responds to Musk's lashing out at him
19:09
,
Tara Cobham
Ed Davey has responded to Elon Musk’s lashing out at him.
The Lib Dem leader said: “Elon Musk called me a ‘craven coward’ this morning, because I called out his deeply dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric calling for violence on our streets over the weekend – telling protestors to ‘fight back or die’ and to overthrow the government.”
Unite the Kingdom protesters clash with police at rally
19:02
,
Tom Watling
Musk hits back at Davey's call for sanctions
18:29
,
Tara Cobham
Elon Musk has hit back at Ed Davey after the Liberal Democrat leader called for sanctions against the tech billionaire.
Musk called Mr Davey a “craven coward” in response to the MP’s letter, which urged Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage to join him in condemnation of the X owner.
You are a craven coward
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 15, 2025
Starmer says rally sent 'shiver' through UK
18:17
,
Tara Cobham
Saturday’s protests “sent a shiver through so many of our communities” leaving them feeling “more scared than they did before”, the prime minister has said.
Sir Keir Starmer told Channel 4 News: “Look what happened on our streets on Saturday.
“That wasn’t just very bad behaviour in central London, although it was that – assaulting police officers and the like, that’s plastic patriotism.
“It sent a shiver through so many of our communities who now feel more scared than they did before.
“I understand that. I’m absolutely determined to lead in this fight of our times between renewal, the patriotic cause of the Labour Party, and the division and toxic chaos and decline that would come under Reform.”
Police continue to appeal for information
18:03
,
Tara Cobham
Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Norris, from the Met’s Public Order Crime Team, said: “Public order policing doesn’t end when the event is over and since Saturday our teams have been working to identify those involved in any criminality.
“Our post-event investigation is ongoing and officers have trawled through hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and continue to review evidence to help with inquiries.
“We have identified a number of people we want to speak to in connection with a range of offences – and we are asking for the public’s help to track them down.
“As with any major event, we know people may have travelled from outside of London, so we’re asking for people across the country to take a look at those pictured and get in touch if they recognise anyone.”
Anyone with information or relevant footage of the individuals can call 101 quoting CAD 4624/15SEP25 or tweet @MetCC, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
Starmer says Britain must never surrender flag after London protest amid backlash over Musk
18:00
,
Tom Watling
The eight people facing charges
17:55
,
Tara Cobham
Eight people are facing charges including assault and public order offences, the Metropolitan Police has said.
They included three men who appeared in court on Monday:
– Richard Hamilton, 42, of Braeside Place, Glasgow, was charged with assault on an emergency worker and was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
– Matthew Wilkins, 55, of Villa Gardens, Waterlooville, Hampshire, was charged with breaching Section 14 of the Public Order Act and disrupting a person engaged in lawful activity and was remanded in custody.
– Jamie Brewer, 35, of Choat Place, Chelmsford, Essex, appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court charged with actual bodily harm against a police officer.
The remaining five were:
– Lewis Siverns, 33, of Farmer Way, Sandwell, West Midlands, was charged with assault on an emergency worker and bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday October 1.
– Aaron Wren, 36, of Kingswear Garden, Rochester, Kent, was charged under Section 4A of the Public Order Act and bailed to appear at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday September 29.
– James Moore, 50, of Pulchrass Street, Barnstaple, Devon, was charged with common assault on a police officer and was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday October 13.
– Paul Newman, 56, of Park Road East, Uxbridge, west London, was charged with breach of a dispersal order and bail conditions not to enter the Borough of Westminster and was bailed to appear at the same court on the same day.
– Norman Richards, 58, of Buckles Lane, Thurrock, Essex, was charged with assault on a police officer and was bailed to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday October 13.
Met issues photos of 11 people officers are trying to find
17:33
,
Tara Cobham
The Met has also issued photos of 11 people who officers are trying to trace in relation to the disorder.
Do you recognise these people?
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 15, 2025
We want to speak to them in connection with suspected public order offences and assaults on emergency service workers in central London on Sat 13 September.
If you have info or footage that can help us ID them, call 101 quoting CAD 4624/15SEP25 pic.twitter.com/4vOPwz8CgB
Eight charged after disorder at London protest
17:31
,
Tara Cobham
Eight people have been charged after disorder broke out during protests in central London at the weekend.
Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for right-wing activist Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally on Saturday, with around 5,000 involved in an anti-racism counter-demonstration.
The Metropolitan Police said there were several incidents of violent disorder, the majority of which were linked to the Unite the Kingdom event.
The far-right march was a significant event, and a sinister one
17:01
,
Tom Watling
Nigel Farage breaks silence after Elon Musk urges UK to ‘fight or die’ at Tommy Robinson march
16:01
,
Tom Watling
Streeting speaks out against Tommy Robinson protests
14:58
,
Tom Watling
Health secretary Wes Streeting has spoken out about the Tommy Robinson protests over the weekend that left some of his constituents feeling unsafe.
You can see his full statement below.
This weekend there were people in my community who were afraid to go into London and are considering whether the country they were born into is safe for them because of their colour or creed.
— Wes Streeting (@wesstreeting) September 15, 2025
We can’t look the other way.
This - - belongs to all of us, not just some of us. pic.twitter.com/r4vnmBOo46
No 10 slams Musk's 'dangerous and inflammatory' language
13:51
,
Jane Dalton
Downing Street has accused Elon Musk of using "dangerous and inflammatory" language at the “Unite The Kingdom” protest on Saturday.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The UK is a fair, tolerant and decent country.
"The last thing the British people want is this sort of dangerous and inflammatory language."
He said the language threatened "violence and intimidation on our streets".
Met says more arrests to come
13:33
,
Jane Dalton
The Met said officers were working to identify other people involved in the disorder on Saturday, with a view to making further arrests “in the coming days and weeks”.
Twenty-four people have already been arrested for a range of offences, including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage, after both events began largely without incident.
Those who hurt police 'will face full force of law', home secretary vows
13:32
,
Jane Dalton
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that protesters who attacked and injured police officers would "face the full force of the law".
"The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of today's protest was peaceful," Mahmood said after the rally.
"Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law," she said.
The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of today's protest was peaceful. But I condemn those who have attacked and injured police officers. Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of…
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) September 13, 2025
Dozens of police officers injured and 25 arrests as huge Tommy Robinson rally marred by violence
13:00
,
Tom Watling
Elon Musk tells Tommy Robinson protest ‘violence is coming’ in call for change in UK government
12:43
,
Tom Watling
Thousands turn out for Tommy Robinson rally in central London
12:18
,
Tom Watling
Below we remind you of the scale of the weekend’s protests, understood to be the largest right-wing demonstration in UK history.
Davey calls for Musk to be sanctioned
11:55
,
Tom Watling
Sir Ed Davey is leading calls for tech billionaire Elon Musk to be sanctioned after calling for the “dissolution of Parliament” during a speech to demonstrators.
The Lib Dem leader announced he has written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage “urging them to join me in condemning Elon Musk's dangerous remarks inciting violence yesterday” and to consider sanctions against the tech billionaire.
He added: “As leaders, we must stand together and make clear Musk will face serious consequences for these actions.”
In a speech to attendees of the weekend’s Tommy Robinson rally, Musk claimed a “dissolution of Parliament” is needed and said “massive uncontrolled migration” was contributing to the “destruction of Britain”.
He also told the crowd that “violence is coming” and that “you either fight back or you die”.
Quickly after the speech, Sir Ed had issued a statement on social media saying British democracy is “too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons”.
I've written to Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, urging them to join me in condemning Elon Musk's dangerous remarks inciting violence yesterday.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) September 14, 2025
As leaders, we must stand together and make clear Musk will face serious consequences for these actions. pic.twitter.com/EfdICsydWT
Keir Starmer issues defiant response following Unite the Kingdom rally
11:34
,
Tom Watling
Police search for demonstrator who called for Starmer to be assassinated
11:14
,
Tom Watling
Police are looking for a man who called for Sir Keir Starmer to be assassinated while attending the Unite the Kingdom march over the weekend.
The demonstrator was speaking to former Tory councillor and conspiracy theorist William Coleshill in London during the march.
In a video that is circulating online, he is heard saying: “Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer.”
Police say they are aware of the video but have not made any arrests yet.
James frontman ‘disgusted’ after Tommy Robinson uses indie band song ‘Sit Down’ at protest
11:09
,
Tom Watling
Starmer says Britain must never surrender flag after London protest amid backlash over Musk
10:47
,
Tom Watling
Minister says Unite the Kingdom march not impacting policy decisions
10:02
,
Tom Watling
A minister denied that the Unite the Kingdom march over the weekend and Reform UK’s success in polls have played a part in the timing of the returns agreement under which detained migrants will be deported to France.
The “one in, one out” agreement with Paris saw the first migrants detained on August 6 and it is understood the first flight could be as early as Monday.
Asked if the rally and the fact that Reform UK were ahead of the Labour Party in the polls played a part in the timing of the start of the agreement, skills minister Baroness Jacqui Smith told Sky News: “No, this is something that we’ve been working on ever since we came into government.”
She also said: “We’re not going to be talking about the details of which flights and how many but it is starting in the near future.”
Met Police say 26 officers injured in protests
09:35
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed 26 officers were injured during the protest on Saturday - suffering broken teeth, noses, concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.
It’s thought as many as 150,000 people attended - significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers.
There was insufficient space to fit them all in Whitehall and Parliament Square and crowds backed into other nearby streets.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.”
“The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously – among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.”
Watch: Elon Musk makes appearance at Tommy Robinson rally: ‘Fight back or die’
09:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Met Police confirms 24 people arrested during 'Unite the Kingdom' protest
Sunday 14 September 2025 21:00
,
Tara Cobham
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed 24 people were arrested during the “Unite the Kingdom” protest in London on Saturday.
The force said the previous figure of 26 arrests included two duplicate records.
Of those arrested, three were women and 21 were men.
The oldest person arrested was 58 and the youngest was 19.
The Met said the offences people were arrested for included common assault, actual bodily harm, affray, criminal damage, public order offences, assault on an emergency worker, possession of an offensive weapon, drunk and disorderly behaviour, violent disorder, breach of Public Order Act conditions and obstruction.
A number of people were arrested on suspicion of more than one offence.
The force added: “A post-event investigation is under way, with officers working to identify other people involved in disorder with a view to making further arrests in the coming days and weeks.”
Full story: Starmer says Britain must never surrender flag after London protest amid backlash over Musk
Sunday 14 September 2025 20:05
,
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer says the country should never surrender its flag to become 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.
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.
Read the full story here:
Met says it is investigating video appearing to show protester calling for Starmer to be shot
Sunday 14 September 2025 19:06
,
Tara Cobham
The Met has said it is also investigating a video circulated on social media which appeared to show a protester saying: “Someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer.”
“We’re aware of a video circulating on social media from the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest on Saturday 13 September in central London,” a spokesperson said.
“Officers are investigating and inquiries are ongoing to identify a man.
“No arrests have been made so far.”
Britain will not ‘surrender’ flag to become symbol of violence and division, Starmer says
Sunday 14 September 2025 19:00
,
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer has rejected the country’s flag being used as a symbol of "violence, fear and division" following Saturday’s "Unite The Kingdom" protest led by Tommy Robinson.
He also stated the Government "will not stand" for assaults on police officers, after 26 were injured, four seriously, at the far-right activist’s London event.
The demonstration attracted between 110,000 and 150,000 people, significantly exceeding organiser estimates, with around 5,000 "anti-racism" campaigners mounting a counter-protest.
Read more here:
‘Free speech’ row threatens to derail Starmer’s talks with Trump on state visit as government mired in chaos
Sunday 14 September 2025 18:00
,
Tara Cobham
An under siege Keir Starmer is facing a showdown with Donald Trump over “free speech” in the UK which could derail crucial talks during the US president’s state visit.
Senior Washington sources have told The Independent that free speech is now top of the president’s agenda when he visits Chequers on Thursday for talks with the prime minister at the end of his trip.
The issue could derail hopes by the UK government to get a deal to remove steel tariffs and will take up time they want to use to discuss the increasingly complex picture on the international stage with the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Pictured: Over 100,000 people attend Unite the Kingdom rally
Sunday 14 September 2025 17:27
,
Athena Stavrou
What is Tommy Robinson's criminal record?
Sunday 14 September 2025 16:27
,
Athena Stavrou
In 2018, he was jailed for 13 months for breaking contempt of court laws with a Facebook Live video that could have prejudiced a trial.
He was already subject to a suspended sentence for committing contempt during a rape trial in Canterbury the year before.
Three years later, as The Independent investigated reports he misused donors’ cash, he shouted abuse at the home of the journalist involved, defamed her partner and threatened to return. Convicted of stalking, he was banned from contacting them for five years.
In 2022, he spent £100,000 gambling before declaring bankruptcy, the High Court heard.
Amid the far-right riots in summer 2024, Robinson organised what he claimed would be the “biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen”. Thousands of Robinson’s supporters gathered in central London for the counter-protest to a Stand Up To Racism march.
But Robinson missed his own event after being arrested in July 2024 under anti-terror laws over allegations he breached a 2021 High Court order. The order banned Robinson from repeating libellous allegations he made against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi.
Robinson was later jailed for 18 months in October 2024. In April 2025, Tommy Robinson lost an appeal to reduce his jail term over claims prison segregation was “making him ill”.
However, he was released in May 2025, after his sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court.
Watch: Thousands turn out for Tommy Robinson rally in central London
Sunday 14 September 2025 15:30
,
Athena Stavrou
Starmer 'will not stand' for violence against police or 'intimidation' on streets
Sunday 14 September 2025 14:40
,
Athena Stavrou
The prime minister has said he “will not stand” for violence against police or for people feeling “intimidated on ou