Far-Right Activist Leads Major Anti-Immigrant Rally in London

Far-Right Activist Leads Major Anti-Immigrant Rally in London
……………

Tens of thousands of people marched in London on Saturday in a rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The Metropolitan Police estimated that around 110,000 participants joined the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration, converging on Whitehall near the UK Parliament from two starting points at Waterloo and Lambeth Bridges.

Authorities said at least 25 people were arrested, while 26 police officers were injured, four of them seriously. More than 1,600 officers were deployed to manage the march and to keep it separate from a counter “Stand Up to Racism” protest, which drew about 5,000 participants. Police reported that some officers were assaulted as they prevented Robinson’s supporters from breaking cordons.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressed the crowd alongside figures including Katie Hopkins and Steve Bannon. He framed the rally as a defense of free speech, British heritage, and culture, while critics pointed to its anti-immigrant and anti-Islam overtones. Flags such as the Union Jack, St George’s Cross, and Israel’s Star of David were visible among demonstrators, some of whom carried placards reading “send them home” and “stop the boats.”

The counterprotest, attended by lawmakers Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana, featured banners declaring “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.” Organizers alleged that their demonstrators were attacked by Robinson’s supporters. The rally comes amid heightened debate over immigration and following a summer of protests near hotels housing asylum seekers, coinciding with a surge in support for the Reform UK party in national polls.