LONDON – Central London was the scene of a significant mobilization on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as tens of thousands attended a rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, billed as the “Unite the Kingdom” event. The demonstration, which saw an estimated 110,000 participants, coincided with a large counter-protest and required an extensive police operation to manage the crowds and prevent escalation.
Massive Turnout for “Unite the Kingdom” Rally
Far-right figure Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, led the “Unite the Kingdom” march, which he promoted as the country’s “biggest free speech festival”. Participants, many draped in Union and St. George’s flags, gathered south of Westminster before marching over Westminster Bridge towards Whitehall. Robinson, a prominent figure in the UK’s far-right scene with a history of convictions and a strong online following, stated his aim was to signal that “the silent majority will be silent no longer” and declared the day as “the spark of a cultural revolution”.
Speakers at the rally included former strategist for US President Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, and commentator Katie Hopkins, with tech billionaire Elon Musk also addressing the crowd via videolink. Robinson urged attendees to refrain from wearing masks, drinking alcohol, or engaging in violence.
Counter-Protest Mobilizes Against Fascism
In opposition, a counter-demonstration, organized by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) under the banner “March Against Fascism,” saw approximately 5,000 people gather. This group assembled at Russell Square and marched towards Whitehall, carrying placards with messages such as “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right”. Veteran Labour lawmaker Diane Abbott was among those who addressed the counter-protesters, accusing Robinson and his allies of spreading “dangerous” lies about asylum seekers.
Extensive Police Deployment Amidst Clashes
The Metropolitan Police deployed over 1,600 officers to manage the day’s events, with an additional 500 officers brought in from other forces across the UK. Approximately 1,000 officers were specifically tasked with policing the two opposing demonstrations, employing barriers and a “sterile area” to maintain separation. Strict conditions were imposed under the Public Order Act regarding protest routes and timings, with Robinson’s rally scheduled to end by 6 pm and the SUTR event by 4 pm.
Despite these measures, clashes occurred on the fringes of Robinson’s rally. Police reported that officers were assaulted, subjected to punches, kicks, and projectiles such as bottles and flares, as some attendees attempted to breach police cordons or access sterile areas. Nine arrests were made during the day for various offences, with police stating that many more individuals were identified and would face accountability.
Wider Context of Immigration and Free Speech Debates
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally took place against a backdrop of heightened anti-immigration sentiment across Britain. Recent months have seen a surge in protests targeting hotels housing asylum seekers, exacerbated by political tensions and discussions around migration. The hard-right Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has seen increased polling success, capitalizing on these issues.
Robinson’s framing of the event as a “free speech festival” also taps into ongoing debates about the limits of expression, particularly concerning discussions on immigration and other sensitive social topics, with some claiming that criticism on these issues can lead to censorship. The recent murder of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an ally of Donald Trump, was also referenced by some demonstrators.
Reassurance and Response
The Metropolitan Police made efforts to reassure London’s diverse communities, including Muslim Londoners who expressed concerns following past anti-Muslim rhetoric at similar events. Commander Clair Haynes urged all residents to go about their normal activities, stating that officers were present to ensure safety. The police force emphasized its commitment to policing lawful rights while remaining robust against disorder and hate crime. The news of these large-scale demonstrations and the associated police response is currently trending as a significant news event in the capital.
