Over 100,000 join London protest organised by far-right activist
More than 110,000 people joined a major rally in London on Saturday, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The event, called “Unite the Kingdom,” quickly turned tense as a small group of Robinson’s supporters clashed with police and counterprotesters.
Violence and Arrests
According to the Metropolitan Police, officers were punched, kicked, and hit with bottles thrown from the crowd. Twenty-six officers were injured, including four with serious injuries such as a concussion, broken teeth, and a possible spinal injury. At least 25 people were arrested for violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said while many came to protest peacefully, others were “intent on violence” and tried to break through police lines. More than 1,000 officers, backed by riot units, were on duty to keep the rival groups apart.
Size of the March
Police estimated the rally attracted between 110,000 and 150,000 people—far more than expected. A counter-demonstration, the “March Against Fascism” organized by Stand Up To Racism, drew about 5,000 people.
Anti-Migrant Messages
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is known for founding the English Defence League. His speech and others at the rally centered heavily on anti-migrant themes. French far-right politician Eric Zemmour warned of a “replacement” of European people, while Elon Musk appeared by video, criticizing the U.K. government over migration.
Robinson told the crowd that migrants had “more rights in court than the British public” and called for stricter policies on asylum seekers. Many demonstrators carried Union Jacks and St. George’s flags, chanting “we want our country back” and holding signs reading “stop the boats” and “send them home.”
Counterprotest Response
At the counterprotest, demonstrators held signs saying “refugees welcome” and chanted “stand up, fight back.” Tensions escalated later in the day when Robinson supporters attempted to push through police barriers, throwing objects at counterprotesters.
A Divided U.K.
The rally comes amid heated national debates over migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers earlier this summer also turned violent.
Saturday’s rally stretched across central London, from Big Ben to Waterloo station. While large, it was still smaller than the 300,000-strong pro-Palestinian march held in London in 2023.
Robinson has a history of legal trouble, including jail time for contempt of court, assault, and fraud. Despite that, he remains a central figure in Britain’s far-right movement.
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