London, Sept 14 — Violence broke out in central London on Saturday as more than 1 lakh people joined one of the largest right-wing demonstrations in recent British history, marching under the banner of “Unite the Kingdom.” The rally, led by anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson, turned confrontational as protesters clashed with police, injuring 26 officers and leading to 25 arrests.
London’s Metropolitan Police said the demonstration, which drew an estimated 1,10,000 participants, was “too big to fit into Whitehall,” the government district street originally approved for the march. Officers were deployed to prevent crowds from veering off the designated route but were met with what the force described as “unacceptable violence,” including bottles, flares and other projectiles. Four of the injured officers were seriously hurt.
“We are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks,” said Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, adding that arrests made on Saturday were “just the start.” More than 1,600 officers were mobilised across London for the day, including 500 drafted in from outside forces.
The huge turnout appeared to catch authorities off guard. Demonstrators waved the Union Jack and England’s St. George’s Cross, alongside U.S. and Israeli flags. Some wore red “Make America Great Again” hats linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump, and chanted slogans critical of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Placards demanding “send them home” were visible among the crowds, where children were also present.
“Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain, this is our moment,” Robinson told supporters, describing the event as “a tidal wave of patriotism.” Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has multiple criminal convictions but continues to portray himself as a journalist exposing state misconduct.
In a video message to the rally, U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, who has recently voiced support for Robinson and other far-right figures, urged a change of government in Britain, saying many citizens were “scared to exercise free speech.”
Some attendees expressed open backing for Robinson. “We want our country back, we want our free speech back on track,” said Sandra Mitchell, a marcher. “They need to stop illegal migration into this country. We believe in Tommy.”
At the counter-demonstration, organised by “Stand Up to Racism,” around 5,000 people gathered to oppose the march. “The idea of hate is dividing us and I think the more that we welcome people the stronger we are as a country,” said Ben Hetchin, a teacher taking part in the protest.
The rally capped a summer of heightened tensions over immigration, marked by demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers. Immigration has overtaken the economy as the dominant political issue in Britain, with record numbers of asylum claims and more than 28,000 migrants crossing the Channel in small boats so far this year.
Alongside the protests, red-and-white English flags have increasingly appeared on streets and even painted onto roads. While supporters call it an expression of national pride, anti-racism campaigners say it signals growing hostility toward foreigners.
