Thousands rally in London against racism and Islamophobia amid heightened security

Thousands of protesters gathered in London’s Piccadilly Square on Saturday to denounce racism and Islamophobia in response to a far-right march on Whitehall, near the Prime Minister’s office.

The far-right protest was organized by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, who had been detained by authorities a day earlier.

Anti-racism demonstrators moved towards Whitehall, chanting slogans against fascism, Islamophobia, and discrimination, as London police implemented extensive security measures to prevent clashes.

Reports indicate that hate incidents against Muslims in the UK reached a decade-high last year, with the “Tell MAMA” organization documenting nearly 5,000 incidents, rising further amid recent events in Gaza.

In response to the spike in anti-Muslim attacks, 80 Islamic organizations and community figures launched an anti-Islamophobia coalition in August, urging the government to take action against extremism and calling out the role of media and social platforms in fueling anti-Muslim sentiment.