London witnessed massive anti-immigration protests on Sunday under the banner of Unite the Kingdom, with over 100,000 demonstrators taking to the streets. The protest, driven by outrage over the recent knife attack in Southport that left three children dead, turned violent as participants hurled water bottles and objects at police officers attempting to disperse them. Similar unrest has been reported in cities including Liverpool, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull, and Manchester, where demonstrations escalated into looting, vandalism, and arson. Hundreds of people have been arrested for rioting, attacking shops, and setting government buildings on fire.
People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.
But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.
Britain is a nation…
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 14, 2025
Reacting strongly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, stating that these acts were not protests but “organised criminality.” He vowed that no one would be allowed to undermine law and order and warned of strict action against those who took the law into their own hands. Starmer said the government is fully supporting law enforcement authorities in imposing tough penalties on rioters and restoring peace. He stressed that while his administration is committed to curbing illegal migration, it will not tolerate violence or unrest in the name of protest.
Supreme Leader Keir Starmer has just said he will not allow our flags to be “taken over” by you lot… Like he has a choice! Raise the Colours !! pic.twitter.com/Dhva6vNvAp
— Pippa B 🇬🇧🏴 🚜 ❤️ 🇺🇸 (@pippaisright) September 14, 2025
Starmer further highlighted that the UK Government has already taken steps to fast-track the deportation of illegal migrants and will continue to deal firmly with unlawful entrants. He called for efforts to maintain social harmony, saying the current wave of unrest has disrupted public peace. The Prime Minister assured that strict measures are being implemented to control the unrest and bring those responsible for the violence to justice.