London – Scenes of unrest unfolded across central London on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as a large rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew tens of thousands, leading to clashes with police and a significant counter-protest. The Metropolitan Police reported that officers were assaulted with punches, kicks, and thrown projectiles during the highly charged events, resulting in nine arrests.
Clashes Erupt Amidst Massive London Rallies
Central London became the focal point for duelling demonstrations, with an estimated 110,000 people estimated by police to have attended the “Unite the Kingdom” march, organized by Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. This massive turnout, which filled Whitehall and surrounding areas, was met by a counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), dubbed the “March Against Fascism,” which drew approximately 5,000 participants.
To manage the volatile situation and prevent direct confrontation between the opposing groups, Scotland Yard deployed over 1,000 officers, with some reports indicating up to 1,600 officers on duty, including hundreds of reinforcements from across the UK. Barriers were erected to maintain a large “sterile area” between the two demonstrations.
Police Officers Assaulted During Unrest
Despite the extensive police presence and preventative measures, officers faced significant aggression. The Metropolitan Police stated that they encountered “unacceptable violence” when attempting to manage the crowds, particularly as the Robinson rally’s size meant it could not fit entirely within the designated Whitehall route, leading some protesters to seek access from alternative directions. Officers were reportedly punched and kicked, and bottles, flares, and other projectiles were thrown at them. In one alarming incident, a glass bottle was seen smashing against a police horse, causing it and its rider to stagger. Police intervention was necessary in multiple locations to prevent protesters from breaching cordons or accessing sterile areas. “Officers are continuing to face aggression in multiple locations,” a Met Police spokesperson noted, vowing that individuals identified committing offences would face future police action. Nine arrests were made on suspicion of various offences.
The “Unite the Kingdom” Rally and Its Aims
The “Unite the Kingdom” event, billed as a “free speech festival,” aimed to voice opposition to government immigration policies and what organisers described as “massive uncontrolled migration.” The rally featured speeches from various far-right personalities and politicians, including actor Laurence Fox, commentator Katie Hopkins, and Ant Middleton. Notably, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk addressed the crowd via video link, echoing themes of the day by discussing the “destruction of Britain” due to migration. Robinson himself proclaimed, “Britain has finally awoken” and declared the day “the spark of a cultural revolution.”
Counter-Protest Against Fascism
Simultaneously, the “March Against Fascism,” organized by Stand Up To Racism, convened at the northern end of Whitehall. Participants carried placards with messages such as “Refugees welcome” and “Oppose Tommy Robinson,” chanting slogans like “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here.” Speakers at the counter-protest, including Labour MPs Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana, denounced the far-right’s rhetoric as “nonsense” and “dangerous lies,” emphasizing solidarity with asylum seekers and migrants.
Broader Context of Anti-Immigration Sentiment
The events in London highlighted the growing anti-immigration sentiment that has been trending across the UK. Recent months have seen an increase in protests targeting hotels housing asylum seekers, fueled by concerns over immigration levels and, at times, misinformation. Commentators have noted that such sentiments are exploited by far-right groups amidst broader societal anxieties, economic challenges, and political uncertainty. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged pre-existing concerns for London’s Muslim communities, given past instances of anti-Muslim rhetoric and offensive chanting at similar events, but reiterated that “everyone should be able to feel safe travelling into and around London.”
The day concluded with the vast majority of attendees dispersing, though the significant police operation and the violence directed at officers underscored the tensions surrounding such large-scale, politically charged demonstrations in the capital. The incident is likely to fuel ongoing debates about immigration, free speech, and the tactics employed by both far-right movements and anti-fascist groups in the UK.
