Demonstrators crammed the streets waving English, British, American, and even Israeli flags, whereas some wore MAGA hats linked to US President Donald Trump. Placards accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of betrayal, as counterprotesters confronted Robinson’s supporters.
Central London witnessed a large wave of demonstrators on Saturday (September 13) as far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew an estimated 1,10,000 supporters for his “Unite the Kingdom” rally. Marchers carrying the Union Jack and St. George’s Cross flags flooded the streets, chanting anti-immigration slogans comparable to “Cease the boats” and “Ship them house.” The march coincided with a rival counter-demonstration, the “March Towards Fascism” led by Stand Up To Racism, which drew about 5,000 protesters with banners declaring “Refugees Welcome” and “Smash the Far Proper.”
Clashes with police and counterprotesters
Though largely peaceable to start with, tensions escalated within the late afternoon. Some Robinson supporters threw bottles, flares, and different projectiles towards counterprotesters and tried to breach police barricades on Whitehall. The Metropolitan Police reported that officers have been punched, kicked, and struck as they labored to carry again the gang.
Greater than 1,000 law enforcement officials have been deployed, with reinforcements in riot gear. At the least 9 arrests have been made on the spot, whereas authorities confirmed that many extra offenders had been recognized and can be held accountable within the coming days.
Robinson’s message and far-right affect
Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, used the rally to amplify his long-standing anti-migrant and anti-Islam rhetoric, claiming migrants had extra rights than the “British public.” He was joined symbolically by far-right politicians from throughout Europe, together with French nationalist Eric Zemmour, who echoed warnings of a so-called “nice alternative.”
Including world weight to the rally, Elon Musk appeared by way of video message, criticising the UK authorities and warning towards “huge uncontrolled migration” that he claimed was eroding Britain’s identification.
A divisive nationwide debate
The protest underscores the rising divide in Britain over immigration, significantly the continuing disaster of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Over 28,000 migrants have arrived this yr, straining asylum methods and fueling nationalist campaigns exterior inns housing asylum-seekers.
Whereas Robinson’s supporters praised the march as a motion for nationwide pleasure and free speech, critics branded it a harmful present of xenophobia and far-right extremism.
Flags, symbols, and polarising rhetoric
The streets have been stuffed with English, British, American, and even Israeli flags, together with MAGA hats referencing Donald Trump. Placards accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of betrayal, whereas counterprotesters clashed with Robinson supporters’ chants, shouting “Rise up, struggle again.”
The rally additionally featured a second of silence for US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, adopted by a bagpiper enjoying “Wonderful Grace.”
Scale of protest and aftermath
At its peak, the “Unite the Kingdom” crowd stretched practically three-quarters of a mile, from Massive Ben to Waterloo Station. Regardless of the massive turnout, the rally fell wanting final yr’s pro-Palestinian march, which noticed greater than 3,00,000 demonstrators.
Police are persevering with to research incidents of violence from the rally, vowing additional arrests. In the meantime, the protests have as soon as once more highlighted how immigration has overtaken financial issues as essentially the most divisive political difficulty in Britain right now.