Polish Member of the European Parliament Dominik Tarczynski has threatened legal action against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the British leader accused organisers of a controversial London rally of promoting “hatred and division”.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute erupted ahead of the “Unite the Kingdom” march in London, an event linked to anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson and expected to focus on immigration and policing issues. In a video message posted on X, Starmer defended peaceful protest but sharply criticised those behind the demonstration.
“Tomorrow's march in London is a reminder of what we're up against in the battle of our values,” Starmer said. “The organisers, including convicted thugs and racists, are peddling hatred and division. Plain and simple.” He added that his government would continue taking action against individuals accused of encouraging extremism and violence. “We will ban those coming into the UK who seek to stir it up, as we have done already,” Starmer said.
Tarczynski's Response
Tarczynski, a member of Poland’s right-wing Law and Justice party, responded to Starmer's post after reports that his UK electronic travel authorisation had been cancelled before the rally. “I am a democratically elected Member of the European Parliament. I represent the European Union,” Tarczynski wrote. “You will pay for calling me a hate-mongering agitator.”
The Polish politician also claimed he would pursue legal action against Starmer personally after the next UK election. “I will patiently wait until the British cast you onto the ash heap of history. Then I will come to defend my honor, and the honor of my voters, in court,” he wrote.
Broader Context
The exchange comes as British authorities move to block several foreign right-wing figures from entering the country ahead of the demonstration. Starmer argued that Britain remained “a country built on decency, fairness and respect” and insisted that the majority of people in the UK rejected divisive politics.
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