UK: Clashes with Police Reported at Huge Far-Right Rally in London

About 110,000 people joined a far-right rally in central London led by Tommy Robinson, sparking clashes with police and nine arrests. The march focused on anti-immigration and free speech themes, with speeches from figures like Elon Musk, Eric Zemmour, and Jordan Peterson. Around 5,000 joined a nearby anti-racism counter-protest, where MP Diane Abbott condemned Robinson’s message. The event comes amid rising anti-immigration tensions in the UK.

A crowd of about 110,000 people filled central London on Saturday to take part in a march and rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, an event that triggered a massive police operation as well as a counter-protest by anti-racism groups.

According to the London Metropolitan Police, the rally was “too big to fit into Whitehall,” the main street in the government district. Tensions rose when some participants were unable to reach the central stage area, leading to confrontations with officers. Police reported that those trying to force their way through assaulted officers with punches and kicks, while others threw bottles, flares, and different projectiles. Nine arrests were confirmed by evening, with authorities warning that many more were expected to follow.

The rally underscored the growing wave of anti-immigration sentiment in Britain, particularly as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage sees his popularity rise in national polls and far-right activists continue to target hotels accommodating asylum seekers.

Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, hailed the gathering as the country’s “biggest free speech festival” and framed it as an effort to “Unite the Kingdom.” Participants, many wrapped in English and British flags, marched across Westminster Bridge before assembling near Downing Street to listen to speeches delivered by far-right figures from Europe and North America.

Chants and speeches at the event centered on grievances over immigration and frustration with what attendees described as restrictions on freedom of expression. Addressing the vast crowd, Yaxley-Lennon declared, “The silent majority will be silent no longer,” describing the demonstration as the beginning of a “cultural revolution.” Placards displayed slogans like “stop the boats,” and some carried images of US activist Charlie Kirk, who had been shot dead earlier in the week.

Police estimates of the turnout, based on both CCTV and helicopter surveillance, confirmed the number at around 110,000 people. Around 1,000 officers were mobilized, and strict rules were set regarding routes and timings in order to prevent clashes with a nearby counter-protest. Roughly 5,000 people joined the Stand Up to Racism march, where speakers such as veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott condemned Robinson’s message as “dangerous” and called for solidarity with asylum seekers.

Adding to the controversy, US billionaire Elon Musk appeared via video link to the far-right rally, urging political change in Britain. Musk claimed that the country was undergoing “a destruction of Britain” through what he described as “massive uncontrolled migration,” and framed it as an erosion of British identity. Other speakers scheduled for the day included French nationalist Eric Zemmour, Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, and Petr Bystron of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon was also expected to deliver a remote address.

The demonstration came a little more than a year after anti-immigration riots erupted across several UK cities, and it followed recent government crackdowns on groups such as Palestine Action, as well as arrests of peaceful demonstrators — actions that have sharpened national debates around the boundaries of free speech and protest.

Robinson himself has remained a divisive figure in British politics and activism. He was sentenced in October 2024 to 18 months in prison for contempt of court but was released in May 2025 after his sentence was shortened. His conviction was tied to earlier legal troubles, including a libel case in 2021 when a Syrian refugee won damages against him after Robinson had falsely accused the young man of violently assaulting English schoolgirls.