The Metropolitan Police have released images of 11 individuals they are seeking to identify following significant disorder that marred the far-right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally in central London on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The large-scale event, organized by activist Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), drew an estimated crowd of between 110,000 and 150,000 people, leading to clashes with police and a significant number of arrests.
Scale and Themes of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ Rally
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, promoted as a “festival of free speech,” saw tens of thousands converge on London, carrying Union Jack and St George’s flags. The rally’s messaging heavily focused on anti-immigration sentiments, nationalist rhetoric, and anti-Muslim hate speech. Speakers at the event included prominent far-right figures from Britain, the US, and Europe, such as Steve Bannon, Éric Zemmour, and tech billionaire Elon Musk, who appeared via video link. Musk’s remarks about the “rapidly increasing erosion of Britain” and Zemmour’s invocation of the “great replacement” theory drew particular attention. The rally also saw a counter-demonstration, the “March Against Fascism,” organized by Stand Up To Racism, which attracted approximately 5,000 participants.
Disorder and Police Injuries
While the march was intended by organizers to be peaceful, large sections of the crowd became unruly, resulting in multiple incidents of violent disorder across central London, primarily linked to the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest. Metropolitan Police officers were subjected to “unacceptable violence,” facing “kicks and punches,” as well as being targeted with “bottles, flares and other projectiles”. Attempts were made to breach police cordons. In response, over 1,000 officers were deployed, with reinforcements, mounted police, and dogs brought in to manage the situation and maintain separation between the opposing groups. The policing operation was described as “very challenging”.
Investigation and Suspect Appeals
In the aftermath of the disorder, the Metropolitan Police have launched a significant investigation. Officers have been reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and continue to gather evidence to identify those involved in criminal activity. As a result, the force has issued photographs of 11 individuals they wish to speak to in connection with a range of public order offenses and assaults on emergency services workers. Detective Chief Inspector Natalie Norris stated that public order policing “doesn’t end when the event is over” and urged the public across the country to come forward if they recognize any of the individuals pictured.
Arrests and Charges
During the event on Saturday, 24 arrests were made for offenses including affray, violent disorder, assaults, and criminal damage. Following initial court appearances, eight people have already been charged. These include offenses such as assault on an emergency worker, common assault on a police officer, and breaches of public order legislation. The Met has indicated that further arrests are anticipated, with Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expecting approximately 50 more arrests as the investigation progresses.
Broader Context and Reactions
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally is seen as a significant event amidst a summer of escalating anti-immigration sentiment across the UK. The scale of the demonstration, combined with the reported disorder, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the rally, stating it had caused communities to feel “more scared than they were before”. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described Elon Musk’s comments made at the event as “abhorrent”. The Metropolitan Police stated that while many attended to exercise their lawful right to protest, a minority were intent on violence.
The ongoing police appeal for information underscores the commitment to bringing those responsible for the violence to justice. This story is developing, with further updates expected as the investigation into the disorder at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march continues, marking a significant news event in London.
