Over 100K Join Tommy Robinson’s London Rally Amid Counterprotests/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ More than 100,000 people filled London’s streets Saturday for a rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Police deployed over 1,000 officers to separate Robinson’s supporters from anti-racism counterprotesters numbering about 5,000. The demonstrations highlighted Britain’s heated debate over migration and nationalism.
Tommy Robinson London Rally: Quick Looks
- Turnout: About 110,000 at Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally, 5,000 counterprotesters.
- Location: Stretch from Big Ben across Thames to Waterloo Station.
- Police Presence: 1,000 officers created buffer zones to prevent clashes.
- Message: Robinson framed march as defending free speech and British culture.
- Counterprotest: Organized by Stand Up To Racism, chants of “refugees welcome.”
- Tensions: Protests follow violent anti-migrant demonstrations over the summer.
- Symbols: Union Jacks, St. George’s flags, slogans like “stop the boats.”
- Connections: Supporters invoked slain U.S. activist Charlie Kirk in signs and chants.
- Background: Robinson, founder of English Defence League, has prior convictions and bans.
- Violence Warning: Robinson urged his followers to avoid masks, drinking, and violence.
Over 100K Join Tommy Robinson’s London Rally Amid Counterprotests
Deep Look
London, UK — Tens of thousands packed central London streets on Saturday as far-right activist Tommy Robinson led his latest rally, dubbed “Unite the Kingdom.” The march drew a massive turnout of about 110,000 supporters, according to police, while counterprotesters gathered in much smaller numbers, emphasizing the country’s ongoing tensions around immigration, nationalism, and freedom of speech.
A Sea of Flags and Slogans
Robinson’s rally began near Big Ben, stretching across the River Thames and around Waterloo Station. Waves of demonstrators waved St. George’s Crosses and the Union Jack, chanting slogans like “we want our country back” and “stop the boats.”
Placards also carried messages such as “send them home” and “enough is enough, save our children.” This rhetoric echoes months of anti-migrant protests outside hotels housing asylum-seekers, some of which turned violent earlier this year.
Police Prepared for Clashes
The Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,000 officers to maintain order. A buffer zone was established between Robinson’s rally and the counterdemonstration organized by Stand Up To Racism, where about 5,000 participants waved banners reading “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.” Chants of “stand up, fight back” rang through Whitehall.
Despite the huge crowd size, Saturday’s rally was smaller than London’s pro-Palestinian march in November 2023, which drew 300,000 people.
A Polarized Message
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pitched the rally as a defense of free speech and British culture. His critics say it was a platform for anti-immigrant and nationalist sentiment.
Robinson’s supporters also invoked the assassination of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, holding signs such as “Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk.” Others chanted crude insults about Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Political Backdrop
The rally comes amid heated debate in Britain over asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in overcrowded boats. The surge of crossings has fueled a series of grassroots protests, some escalating into violence.
Robinson’s prominence as a far-right figure dates back to his role as founder of the English Defence League (EDL), a nationalist and anti-Islamist group. Over the years, he has been jailed for assault, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court, and was barred by a High Court order from repeating libelous claims against a Syrian refugee.
Saturday’s rally followed an earlier attempt last year, when Robinson had to cancel his own participation due to serving jail time for contempt of court.
Calls for Discipline
Despite his controversial history, Robinson urged restraint, telling supporters not to wear masks, drink alcohol, or incite violence. His appeal reflected awareness of heightened scrutiny around far-right gatherings and police concerns about potential unrest.
Counter Voices
The counterprotest sought to show that Robinson’s message doesn’t go unchallenged. Activists highlighted Britain’s tradition of welcoming refugees and accused the far-right of inflaming tensions for political gain.
As the demonstrations wrapped up, London once again found itself at the crossroads of free expression and national identity, with Robinson’s rally highlighting how immigration remains one of the most divisive issues in British politics.
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