More than 100,000 demonstrators participated in a march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in London, leading to heightened tensions as police worked to separate rival groups. The rally, named Unite the Kingdom, unfolded alongside a smaller counter-protest organized by the group Stand Up To Racism, which was labeled the March Against Fascism.
The event saw over 1,000 police officers deployed to maintain order and create a buffer zone between the two demonstrations, which were held near the UK government buildings. Although the marches were primarily peaceful, some confrontations arose when attendees from the Unite the Kingdom rally allegedly threw objects at police and attempted to breach barriers meant to separate the groups. The Metropolitan Police reported that officers had to use force to prevent further escalation.
At its peak, the protest stretched from Big Ben across the River Thames and extended around the corner beyond Waterloo train station, covering a distance of approximately one kilometer. While the turnout for the rally was significant, it was notably smaller than the estimated 300,000 participants who attended a pro-Palestinian march in November 2023.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, described the demonstration as a stand for free speech and a defense of British heritage and culture. This rally comes against a backdrop of ongoing debates in the UK regarding migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Recent months have seen numerous protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, particularly following the conviction of an Ethiopian man for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a London suburb.
Supporters of the Unite the Kingdom march waved the St George’s flag and the union jack, chanting slogans such as “We want our country back.” This display of national flags has been interpreted by some as a resurgence of national pride, while others view it as an indication of rising nationalism. Many attendees carried signs bearing messages like “stop the boats” and “enough is enough, save our children.”
In contrast, counter-protesters at the March Against Fascism held signs that read “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.” Some participants in the Unite the Kingdom rally directed crude chants at UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and expressed support for slain US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with one sign stating: “Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk.”
Robinson had previously planned a Unite the Kingdom rally in October 2023 but was unable to attend due to a jail sentence for contempt of court. This sentence stemmed from his violation of a 2021 High Court order that prohibited him from repeating defamatory claims against a Syrian refugee who had successfully sued him. Robinson has a history of legal troubles, including past convictions for assault and mortgage fraud. He is known for founding the English Defence League, which promotes nationalist and anti-Islamist sentiments.
In a bid to ensure safety, Robinson urged his supporters to avoid wearing masks, consuming alcohol, or engaging in violent behavior. As the events unfolded, the police remained vigilant, aiming to prevent any further incidents between the two groups.
