London witnessed significant unrest on Saturday, as police arrested 25 individuals following a massive far-right protest, one of the largest in Britain’s history, organized by activist Tommy Robinson, drawing up to 150,000 participants.
Police reported 26 officers were injured, with four sustaining serious injuries, as they dealt with “unacceptable violence” while managing the crowd, many of whom displayed English and British flags during tense moments on the rally’s outskirts.
The Metropolitan Police estimated a turnout of between 110,000 and 150,000, “far exceeding” the organizers’ expectations, noting clashes occurred when some attendees attempted to breach “sterile areas” close to counter-protesters.
Approximately 5,000 people participated in a Stand Up to Racism march, starting about a mile north, with around 1,000 officers deployed to separate the opposing groups.
“Many attendees exercised their right to protest lawfully, but a significant number were intent on violence,” stated Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist.
“They confronted officers, using physical and verbal abuse, and made determined efforts to breach cordons designed to ensure safety,” he continued.
Arrests were made for violent disorder, assault, and other offenses, with officers suffering from injuries such as broken teeth, a possible broken nose, concussion, and a prolapsed disc.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood condemned “those who attacked and injured police officers,” emphasizing that “anyone involved in criminal activity will face the full extent of the law.”
‘Voices Needed’
Protesters at Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” event marched across Westminster Bridge before gathering near Downing Street for speeches by far-right figures from Europe and North America, including billionaire X owner Elon Musk.
The anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate, monitoring such rallies for over a decade, noted that “numerous well-known far-right extremists,” including Robinson, addressed the crowds.
Joe Mulhall, the charity’s Research Director, stated to the BBC that it was “probably the largest far-right demonstration ever in Britain.”
King’s College London’s Assistant Public Policy Professor Georgios Samaras concurred, highlighting that “multiple factions within the far-right” and newcomers converged in London.
This occurs amidst rising anti-immigration sentiment, with Brexit supporter Nigel Farage’s hard-right Reform UK leading in polls and protests targeting hotels housing asylum seekers.
It follows last year’s anti-immigration riots in various towns and cities, which Robinson was accused of inciting with incendiary online posts.
Tribute to Charlie Kirk
The 42-year-old Robinson, known for his anti-Muslim and anti-migrant campaigns, promoted Saturday as a “free speech festival.”
“Millions of patriots… showing unprecedented patriotic unity,” Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted on X with a photo of the crowd after the event concluded in the early evening.
“This one is for you Charlie Kirk,” Robinson added, referencing the deceased right-wing American activist allied with Donald Trump.
Some attendees displayed pictures of Kirk on their placards, alongside slogans like “stop the boats,” criticizing Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“I can’t believe it,” said Emily Rose to AFP, observing the crowd after traveling from Glasgow, Scotland, wearing a dress adorned with the Union Jack.
“I felt compelled to be here. We need to be heard.”
Speakers from the Far-Right
Other attendees cited immigration concerns as motivation.
Ritchie, 28, only gave his first name, claiming Britain is facing “an invasion” of asylum seekers arriving annually via small boats across the Channel.
At the anti-racism rally, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott accused Robinson and his allies of spreading “nonsense” and “dangerous” lies about asylum seekers.
“We need to stand with asylum seekers and demonstrate our unity,” she told Sky News.
Robinson’s event featured speakers like Musk, who participated via video link, French far-right politician Eric Zemmour, and Petr Bystron from Germany’s anti-immigrant AfD party.
“You’re in a critical situation,” Musk told the crowd, asserting “the left is the party of murder and celebrates it.”
“Whether you choose violence or not, it will come to you. You must fight back or perish,” he declared.
Zemmour revived the far-right, white nationalist “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, alleging deliberate replacement of white Europeans by non-white immigrants.
Ed Davey, leader of the centrist Liberal Democrats, criticized Musk and the violent incidents on social media.
“These far-right thugs do not represent Britain,” he stated.
