Clashes erupted in central London on Saturday as one of Britain’s largest-ever far-right rallies drew more than 100,000 people, prompting police to arrest 25 demonstrators and report dozens of officers injured.
The protest, organised by activist Tommy Robinson under the banner “Unite the Kingdom,” saw crowds estimated between 110,000 and 150,000 march across Westminster Bridge before rallying near Downing Street.
Speakers included figures from the far right in Europe and North America, among them billionaire X owner Elon Musk, who addressed the gathering via video link.
“You’re in a fundamental situation here,” Musk told the crowd, claiming “the left is the party of murder and celebrating murder.” He added: “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.”
French far-right politician Eric Zemmour and Petr Bystron of Germany’s anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party also took the stage.
Zemmour reiterated the so-called “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, which falsely claims white Europeans are being deliberately replaced by non-white immigrants.
Police said 26 officers were injured, four seriously, after facing what they called “unacceptable violence” from some attendees.
Officers reported broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion and a prolapsed disc among the injuries. The Metropolitan Police said many protesters attempted to breach cordons near counter-demonstrations, leading to violent confrontations.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said while some had come to exercise their lawful right to protest, “there were many who came intent on violence.”
About 1,000 officers were deployed to manage the crowds, which significantly exceeded organisers’ estimates.
Meanwhile, around 5,000 people attended a separate Stand Up to Racism march held a mile to the north, which police sought to keep apart from Robinson’s supporters.
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood condemned those who attacked police, vowing that “anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”
Also Read : Massive anti-immigrant protest in London, cops assaulted
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticised both Musk’s intervention and the violent scenes, writing on social media: “These far-right thugs do not speak for Britain.”
Anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate said Robinson’s rally drew “a number of well-known far-right extremists” and was likely the largest of its kind in modern Britain. Its research director Joe Mulhall told the media it was “probably the largest far-right demonstration ever in Britain.”
Georgios Samaras, an assistant professor at King’s College London, said the turnout reflected “multiple factions within the far right” converging in London, alongside newcomers energised by growing anti-immigration sentiment.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, called the protest a “free speech festival.” In a post on X, he hailed “millions of patriots” and dedicated the gathering to American activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of US President Donald Trump.
“Millions of patriots… in a show of patriotic unity like nothing seen before,” Robinson wrote. “This one is for you, Charlie Kirk.”
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Some protesters carried placards with Kirk’s picture or slogans such as “stop the boats,” while others voiced frustration over Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government and immigration policies.
“I can’t believe it,” said Emily Rose, who travelled from Glasgow wearing a Union Jack dress. “I knew I needed to be here. We need to be heard.”
Others echoed concerns about asylum seekers crossing the Channel. “We’re seeing an invasion,” said Ritchie, 28, who gave only his first name.
At the anti-racism counter-rally, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott denounced Robinson and his allies for spreading “nonsense” and “dangerous” lies. “We need to be in solidarity with asylum seekers, and we need to show that we are united,” she told the media.
The event followed last year’s anti-immigration riots in several British towns and cities, which Robinson was accused of inflaming with incendiary online posts.
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