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 Mr 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”.