London: Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Whitehall for the “Unite the Kingdom” rally led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Police estimated the turnout between 110,000 and 150,000, making it one of the largest far-right gatherings in recent years. The event, presented as a free speech rally, focused heavily on anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric.
Clashes broke out during the march. Police reported officers were punched, kicked, and struck by bottles thrown from the crowd. Over 1,000 officers were deployed, with riot units called in as tensions escalated. A counter-protest, the “March Against Fascism” organized by Stand Up To Racism, drew about 5,000 participants.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, accused migrants of having more legal rights than British citizens. French politician Eric Zemmour, speaking at the rally, described migration as a “replacement” of Europeans by people from Muslim-majority nations. Elon Musk, speaking via video link, criticized UK migration policies and claimed Britain was facing “erosion” from uncontrolled arrivals.
The rally took place amid heated debate over asylum-seekers crossing the English Channel. Recent protests outside hotels housing refugees turned violent after reports of crimes involving migrants. At the London march, participants carried Union Jack and St George’s flags while chanting “we want our country back” and holding signs that read “stop the boats” and “send them home.” Counter-protesters responded with placards declaring “refugees welcome.”
The scale of the rally signals a deepening anti-immigration sentiment in the UK, raising concerns over growing racism and far-right mobilization.
