By Eniola Amadu
Thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday in a rally organised by anti-immigrant and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, drawing a significant police presence and counter-protests from anti-racism groups.
By midday, large crowds carrying England’s red-and-white St George’s Cross and the Union Jack filled streets south of the River Thames before moving towards Westminster, the seat of the UK parliament.
Some attendees also carried American and Israeli flags and wore red “Make America Great Again” hats associated with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Placards reading “send them home” and chants directed against Prime Minister Keir Starmer were visible throughout the crowd.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, branded the march as a “Unite the Kingdom” event to promote free speech and national unity.
He said the gathering would also mourn the death of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot earlier in the week.
Writing on X, Robinson claimed “hundreds of thousands” were on the streets, though official figures were not immediately available.
While Robinson describes himself as a journalist exposing state wrongdoing, he remains a polarising figure with several criminal convictions.
Britain’s Reform UK party, currently leading opinion polls on immigration concerns, distanced itself from Robinson, signalling caution over his reputation.
Police said more than 1,600 officers were deployed across London for the day’s demonstrations, including 500 drafted from outside forces.
Commander Clair Haynes, who is leading the operation, said the force’s approach would balance protecting the right to protest with responding firmly to any offences.
“We will police without fear or favour,” she said, while noting concerns about previous incidents of “anti-Muslim rhetoric and offensive chanting.”
The counter-protest, organised by the group Stand Up to Racism, gathered nearby. Authorities stressed that Londoners should not feel compelled to stay at home despite fears of confrontation.
The demonstration comes at a time when immigration has overtaken the economy as Britain’s top political issue. Official data show more than 28,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats so far this year, fueling debate and inflaming public sentiment.
Supporters of the rally framed it as an expression of patriotism, while critics pointed to what they saw as hostility towards foreigners.
