More than 100,000 marched in London’s anti-immigration rally led by Tommy Robinson, clashing with police, as thousands of counter-protesters rallied for refugee rights, exposing Britain’s deepening divide over migration and inclusion.
WEBDESK — More than 110,000 people joined a large anti-immigration rally in central London on Saturday, organised by far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson under the banner “Unite the Kingdom.” Protesters carried British, English (St. George’s Cross), American, and Israeli flags, many wore MAGA hats, and chanted slogans like “send them home” while criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Police put out estimates ranging between 110,000 and 150,000 for the crowd size. Authorities deployed over 1,600 officers to manage the event. Reports say 26 officers were injured (four seriously), and at least 25 people were arrested during clashes.
Standing off against this march was a crowd of around 5,000 counter-protesters, organised by civil society groups under calls from Stand Up to Racism and other anti-racism and refugee rights organisations. Among counter-protest participants were trade unionists, faith groups, local activists, and MPs such as Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana, calling for solidarity with migrants and rejecting far-right nationalism.
Elon Musk made a video appearance during the anti-immigrant rally, urging protesters to “fight back or die,” comments that sparked widespread backlash.
While the anti-immigration rally was led by Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), the refusal by Reform UK to formally associate suggests some tension even among right-wing circles. Counter-protests were loosely led by Stand Up to Racism, joined by Labour and Green MPs and grassroots organisations.
As the demonstrations wind down, political leaders face urgent questions: how to address public concern about immigration without fueling division, and how to balance demands for border security against commitments to human rights.
