The UK has announced it will reduce support and engagement with Georgia following violent clashes between protesters and police, Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed.

The unrest began on November 28 after the ruling Georgian Dream party postponed EU membership talks until 2028. The decision followed the European Parliament’s rejection of Georgia’s October election results, citing irregularities and demanding a rerun under international supervision.

Lammy condemned the violence, calling it “unacceptable” and stating the UK will suspend program support to Georgia’s government, restrict defense cooperation, and limit interactions with Georgian Dream officials until democratic norms are upheld.

Protests have seen tens of thousands waving EU flags as riot police used tear gas and water cannons. Activists and watchdog groups, including Transparency International, reported cases of police brutality, with detainees allegedly beaten and injured.

Opposition leader Nika Gvaramia was reportedly detained during a raid on the Coalition for Change party offices, while journalists, such as reporter Guram Rogava, were targeted during live broadcasts.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the government’s actions, blaming “foreign trainers” for inciting violence. Despite protests, Kobakhidze reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to EU membership by 2030.

Georgia, an EU candidate since December 2022, enshrined EU accession in its constitution in 2017. However, opposition groups and President Salome Zourabichvili accuse Georgian Dream of election rigging with Russian interference, deepening divisions over the country’s European future.