London Far-Right Rally Turns Violent: 26 Police Injured, 25 Arrests 🚨
.png)
Overview 🧭
A large-scale “Unite the Kingdom” march drew well over 100,000 people to central London and ended with violent confrontations, dozens of injured officers, and multiple arrests.
The Rally & Crowd Size 📣
Organisers and police reports placed the crowd at more than 110,000 (with estimates up to 150,000), making it one of the biggest right-wing demonstrations in recent British memory. A rival “March Against Fascism,” organised by Stand Up To Racism, drew around 5,000 counterprotesters.
Police Response & Clashes 👮♂️🛡️
The Metropolitan Police deployed over 1,000 officers to manage tensions. By late afternoon, clashes erupted: officers reported being punched, kicked, and struck by bottles thrown from the fringes of Robinson’s rally. Riot police in helmets and shields were brought in to reinforce cordons.
Casualties & arrests:
- 26 police officers injured, four seriously (including concussion, broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, and one spinal injury).
- At least 25 people were arrested on charges ranging from violent disorder to assault and criminal damage.
“Many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were clearly those who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaged in physical and verbal abuse, and made determined attempts to breach cordons put in place to keep people safe.” — Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist
Nationalist Symbolism & Messaging 🇬🇧🪧
The march was heavy with nationalist imagery — Union Jacks, St George’s crosses and banners reading “Stop the Boats,” “Send Them Home,” and “Save Our Children.” Chants such as “We want our country back” echoed through central London, reflecting strong anti-migration sentiment among many attendees.
Speakers & International Guests 🌍
Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) addressed the crowd, accusing the government of favouring migrants over British citizens: “migrants now have more rights in court than the British public — the people who built this nation.”
International figures also featured: French politician Eric Zemmour spoke about the so-called “great replacement,” and Elon Musk appeared by video link, criticising Britain’s immigration policies and warning of cultural erosion.
Counterprotest & Rising Tensions ✊🏽 vs 🪖
The counter-rally — smaller but vocal — held signs saying “Refugees Welcome” and “Smash the Far Right.” Heavy police barriers separated the two sides, but bottles and objects were thrown across the divide and attempts were made to push through fencing. Video and eyewitness reports show heated confrontations and at least one visibly injured marcher being escorted away.
Tribute to Charlie Kirk 🇺🇸🕯️
The event included a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist recently killed in Utah. Attendees observed the tribute and some carried signs reading “Freedom of Speech is Dead. RIP Charlie Kirk.”
Broader Context: Immigration & Political Pressure ⚖️
The march takes place amid sharply polarised debates in the UK over immigration — especially crossings of the English Channel in small boats — and recent protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers. The government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, faces pressure to curb migration, while critics warn that public frustration is being channelled into xenophobia and escalating confrontations.
A Divided Britain — The Bigger Picture 🧩
Saturday’s scenes underline deep national divisions. While this rally was among the largest right-wing gatherings in recent memory, it was notably smaller than last year’s pro-Palestinian demonstration, which drew over 300,000 people. Robinson remains a polarising figure: founder of the English Defence League with a history of arrests and legal bans, yet still able to mobilise large crowds.
Comments
Post a Comment