Over one hundred thousand people flooded the streets of central London on Saturday for Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally, making it one of the largest right-wing demonstrations the United Kingdom has witnessed in decades. The protest, backed by anti-immigration activists, quickly descended into violence as fringe participants hurled bottles and insults at police, who scrambled to keep the crowd separated from counter-demonstrators supporting refugees and multicultural Britain.
Robinson’s supporters waved Union Jacks, St. George’s Crosses, and even American flags, chanting nationalist slogans such as “Send them home” while venting anger at Prime Minister Keir Starmer and recent government immigration policies. Many in the crowd paid tribute to slain U.S. conservative Charlie Kirk, pausing for a moment of silence before the rally turned chaotic.
Police, already stretched thin due to other major events in the city, deployed over a thousand officers. Clashes around Westminster and White Hall resulted in 26 police officers being injured, four seriously, with reported concussions, broken teeth, and spinal injuries. At least 25 arrests were made on charges ranging from violent disorder to criminal damage, and authorities warned that investigations are ongoing with more detentions likely.
Countered by a 5,000-strong “Stand Up to Racism” demonstration, tensions flared further when objects were thrown between rival groups and attempts were made to breach police barriers. Both government leaders and police condemned the violence, emphasizing that the right to lawful protest cannot excuse brutality or hate speech targeting Britain’s minorities. The rally comes amid ongoing political debate over immigration and cultural identity, with authorities and commentators warning that such scenes are likely to deepen divisions in British society.
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