On Saturday, over 110,000 took part in a march through central London protesting immigration, under the leadership of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The march, dubbed the Unite the Kingdom march, soon turned violent as skirmishes broke out between protesters and police.

A total of 26 police officers were hurt during the unrest, and at least 24 people were arrested, the Metropolitan Police reported. Photographs and videos from the capital depicted clashes erupting, with protesters and some police officers being pelted with objects and chanting anti-immigration slogans.

In his initial public reaction to the violent images, Prime Minister Starmer on Sunday insisted that while peaceful protest is still a cornerstone right in Britain, intimidation and violence were unacceptable.

“People are entitled to peaceful protest. It is at the heart of what our country stands for," Starmer asserted. "But we won t stand for attacks on police officers simply going about their duty or for individuals being intimidated on our streets because of their colour or ethnicity,” he added.

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He went on to say that Britain s national emblem should not be taken over as a hate symbol. "Britain is a nation founded on tolerance, diversity and respect. Our flag signifies our diverse nation, and we will never give it over to those who use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”

The protest — the biggest of its type in years — has been condemned by political figures, community organizations, and human rights activists, who point to growing far-right sentiment throughout the UK.