London witnessed one of its largest far-right rallies in years on Saturday, as more than 110,000 people turned out for the “Unite the Kingdom” march organized by Tommy Robinson — and the day ended in violent clashes with police.
What began as a massive show of force by anti-immigration demonstrators soon turned ugly as a small but aggressive group at the edges of the rally threw bottles, punched and kicked officers, and tried to breach police cordons separating them from counterprotesters. The Metropolitan Police confirmed 26 officers were injured, including four seriously, with injuries ranging from broken teeth to possible spinal damage. More than 25 people were arrested on charges including violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said that while many came to exercise their right to protest, “there were many who came intent on violence.” Riot police with shields and helmets were deployed to restore order.
Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League and one of Britain’s most polarizing far-right figures, told the crowd that migrants now have “more rights in court than the British public.” Speakers included European nationalist politicians, among them France’s Eric Zemmour, who railed against what he called the “great replacement” of European people. Elon Musk also appeared via video, condemning what he described as the UK government’s “erosion” of British identity through uncontrolled migration.
Participants waved Union Jacks and St. George’s flags, chanting “we want our country back” and holding placards with slogans like “stop the boats” and “send them home.” Counterprotesters, numbering around 5,000, staged their own “March Against Fascism” nearby, holding signs reading “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.”
The rally comes amid heated political debate over migrants crossing the English Channel and follows a summer of smaller anti-asylum protests — some of which turned violent — outside hotels housing refugees.
Robinson supporters also paid tribute to slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, observing a moment of silence before a bagpiper played “Amazing Grace.”
While police said the majority of Saturday’s marchers were peaceful, the late-day violence highlighted the volatility of Britain’s immigration debate as the government faces pressure to control rising migrant crossings and social tensions flare.