More than 100,000 demonstrators filled the streets of central London today, waving English and British flags at a rally organized by anti-immigration and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson.
Authorities said they were deploying a massive police presence throughout the capital. At the same time, a counter-protest organized by “Stand Up to Racism” was scheduled to take place nearby. The day followed a summer of tense demonstrations in Britain centered on immigration and debates over freedom of speech.
By midday, tens of thousands had crowded the streets on the south bank of the Thames before moving toward Westminster, where the UK parliament is located.
Participants carried both the Union Jack and the St George’s Cross, while some also waved American and Israeli flags. A number of attendees wore red MAGA caps associated with U.S. President Donald Trump. Many shouted slogans aimed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer and displayed signs with messages such as “send them home.” Some parents brought their children to the event.
Robinson promoted the “Unite the Kingdom” march as a rally for free speech. Organizers also linked it to mourning Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist who was killed on Wednesday.
“Hundreds of thousands already pack the streets of central London as we Unite as one for our freedoms,” Robinson posted on X.
Robinson, whose given name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, portrays himself as a journalist exposing corruption. He has drawn support from U.S. billionaire Elon Musk but remains controversial due to multiple criminal convictions. Reform UK, the leading anti-immigration party in Britain that has recently topped polls, has sought to keep its distance from him.
“We want our country back, we want our free speech back on track,” said Sandra Mitchell, one of those at the rally.
“They need to stop illegal migration into this country,” she added. “We believe in Tommy.”
The Metropolitan Police said more than 1,600 officers were on duty across London, including 500 drafted from other regions. With the large-scale demonstrations taking place, police resources were also stretched by major concerts and soccer matches happening the same day.
“We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur,” explained Commander Clair Haynes, who oversaw the security operation.
Haynes acknowledged there had been “anti-Muslim rhetoric and incidents of offensive chanting by a minority” at earlier events, but emphasized that residents of London should not feel pressured to remain indoors.
The weekend before, nearly 900 people were detained at a protest in London against the government’s ban on the activist group Palestine Action.
Immigration now dominates British politics, even overshadowing concerns about the struggling economy. The UK is experiencing record asylum requests, with over 28,000 migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats so far this year.
Across the country, red and white English flags have appeared on homes, streets, and even painted on roads. Backers of the movement describe it as an outpouring of national pride, while anti-racism advocates argue it represents hostility toward immigrants.
{Matzav.com}
