More than 100,000 protesters flooded the streets of central London on Saturday, marking one of the largest right-wing demonstrations in modern British history. The “Unite the Kingdom” rally, organised by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson, saw attendees carrying flags and shouting slogans, despite significant police presence aimed at maintaining order.
The Metropolitan Police reported that around 110,000 people participated in the event, which drew a stark contrast to a smaller “Stand Up to Racism” counter protest attended by approximately 5,000 individuals. Authorities, caught off guard by the overwhelming turnout, stated the rally was “too big to fit into Whitehall,” the designated route lined with government buildings.
Clashes erupted as police attempted to keep protesters on the approved path. Officers faced “unacceptable violence,” according to a police statement, with incidents of officers being kicked, punched, and struck by thrown objects, including bottles and flares. While nine arrests were made during the protests, police indicated that more apprehensions were likely as tensions continued in some areas.
The march culminated a volatile summer in Britain, characterized by protests outside hotels housing migrants, reflecting the rising anti-immigrant sentiment within the country. Demonstrators proudly displayed various flags, including the Union flag, England’s St George’s Cross, and even American and Israeli banners, alongside MAGA hats in support of former US President Donald Trump. Slogans denouncing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and placards advocating for stricter immigration controls filled the air.
“Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain; this is our moment,” declared Robinson, whose birth name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressing supporters. He emphasised the event as a demonstration of widespread patriotism, stating they had initiated a “tidal wave of patriotism.”
Adding to the rally’s significance, US billionaire Elon Musk expressed his support via a video link, calling for a change in government and highlighting fears among the British public regarding free speech.
Supporters shared their sentiments at the rally. “We want our country back; we want our free speech back on track,” voiced Sandra Mitchell, one of the demonstrators. “They need to stop illegal migration into this country. We believe in Tommy.” Meanwhile, at the counter protest, Ben Hetchin, a teacher, countered the narrative by stating, “The idea of hate is dividing us, and I think the more that we welcome people the stronger we are as a country.”
Over 1,600 police officers were mobilised across London for the event, aided by 500 officers from other forces, amid a backdrop of high-profile soccer matches and concerts that stretched law enforcement resources thin.
As the issue of immigration continues to dominate British politics, outpacing concerns over the UK’s faltering economy, the rally starkly illustrated the growing division in society. With over 28,000 migrants arriving in small boats across the Channel this year, anti-immigration sentiments have gained substantial visibility. Proponents of these movements argue it is a surge of national pride, while anti-racism activists contend it conveys a stark hostility to foreigners.