"Figures such as far-right activist Tommy Robinson are touching into a "sense of disquiet" in the country, a Cabinet minister has told the BBC, after thousands joined a march and counter-protest in London on Saturday. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said marchers were demonstrating freedom of association and freedom of speech, after up to 150,000 joined a "Unite the Kingdom" rally, organised by Robinson and about 5,000 took part in a counter-protest, co-ordinated by Stand Up To Racism."
"Speaking about Saturday's protests, Kyle said moments like these were "klaxon calls" for those in power to redouble their efforts to address the big concerns people have, including on immigration. "What worries me most is the divisions in our society and other societies and other democratic societies ... it's not even the left and the right at the moment," he told the programme."
Thousands attended a London rally titled "Unite the Kingdom", with organisers claiming up to 150,000 supporters and about 5,000 participants in a counter-protest coordinated by Stand Up To Racism. Police reported 26 officers injured, including four seriously, and 24 arrests. Business Secretary Peter Kyle characterised marchers as demonstrating freedom of association and freedom of speech while warning that a small minority responsible for violence would be held accountable. Kyle described such events as "klaxon calls" urging leaders to address public concerns, notably immigration, and warned about deepening societal divisions. Kyle criticised Elon Musk's video-message urging protesters to "fight back" or "die" as inappropriate and linked grievances to the financial crisis and lasting community impacts.
Read at www.bbc.com
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