Starmer vows to block ‘hatred’ as UK bars foreign far-right activists ahead of London rally
Eleven overseas activists have been denied entry as the Metropolitan Police prepare to use live facial recognition technology for the first time during the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ event.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the organisers of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally for “peddling hatred and division”, announcing that eleven foreign far-right activists have been barred from entering the UK ahead of the London event. The government’s stance comes as the Metropolitan Police prepare to deploy live facial recognition technology for the first time as part of a major protest policing operation.
Starmer, who met with senior police figures, described the rally, organised by Tommy Robinson, as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the nation. In a video message, the Prime Minister labelled the organisers “convicted thugs and racists” and vowed that anyone seeking to incite violence or wreak havoc on the streets would face the full force of the law. Downing Street clarified, however, that Starmer recognises the majority of expected attendees are law-abiding citizens wishing to protest peacefully.
The individuals denied entry include US-based anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek, and Polish politician and MEP Dominik Tarczyński. The rally marks a strategic pivot for Robinson, who is now encouraging supporters to engage in political campaigning and voting, including calls for a general election. This is the second ‘Unite the Kingdom’ event, following a gathering last year that attracted more than 100,000 people.
Announced speakers for the event include Siobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon Whyte, who was stabbed to death by an asylum seeker. The rally coincides with pro-Palestinian marches marking Nakba Day and the FA Cup final, prompting the imposition of Public Order Act conditions on the concurrent demonstrations. Anti-racist counter-demonstrations are also being organised by groups such as Stand Up to Racism.
In response to the anticipated division, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has urged the public to “choose hope” during ‘A Million Acts of Hope Week’. Mullally, who became the first woman to lead the Anglican Church in March, is backing the interfaith unity campaign alongside the Muslim Council of Britain and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who highlighted recent solidarity between communities following antisemitic attacks in London.