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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 Elon 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”.
In response, the Lib Dem leader said Musk had done so “because I called out his deeply dangerous and irresponsible rhetoric”.
The Metropolitan Police said 24 people had been arrested so far, after 26 officers were injured– including four who were seriously hurt – in scenes of “unacceptable violence”, with more arrests likely.
Tom Watling16 September 2025 00:00
Think Rylan is right about asylum-seekers? So does Tommy Robinson…
The TV presenter divided opinion by saying live on This Morning that it is ‘insane’ that illegal migrants are put up in hotels – but when the far right’s most notorious poster boy comes out in your favour, it’s probably time to reconsider your position, says Sharan Dhaliwal
Tom Watling15 September 2025 23:03
Tom Watling15 September 2025 22:04
Tom Watling15 September 2025 21:03
Tom Watling15 September 2025 20:03
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.”
Tara Cobham15 September 2025 19:09
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.
Tara Cobham15 September 2025 18:29
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.”
Tara Cobham15 September 2025 18:17
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.
Tara Cobham15 September 2025 18:03