On September 13, London witnessed its largest right-wing demonstration in nearly a decade. More than 100,000 people joined a march organised by anti-immigration and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson. Protesters waved UK flags, the St. George’s Cross of England, as well as U.S. and Israeli flags. Some wore former U.S. President Donald Trump’s red “MAGA” caps, chanting slogans such as “Send them back” and criticising Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
At the same time, the Anti-Racism Alliance held a counter-protest nearby, leading to tense confrontations. Robinson framed the event, branded as the “Unite the Kingdom March,” as a defence of free speech and a tribute to recently assassinated U.S. conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. On social platform X, he claimed “hundreds of thousands took to the streets for freedom” and received public support from billionaire Elon Musk, who also called for a change of government in the UK.
The Metropolitan Police said over 1,600 officers were deployed that day but admitted the scale of the protest was underestimated. Parts of the crowd broke away from the planned route, throwing bottles, flares, and other objects at officers. Police confirmed at least 25 arrests, warning this was “only the beginning,” with more arrests expected. So far, 26 officers have been injured, including four seriously.