Over 100,000 Anti-Immigration Protesters March Through London

More than 100,000 protesters took to the streets of central London on Saturday, waving the flags of England and the United Kingdom. Organized by immigration critic Tommy Robinson, the march was one of the largest far-right demonstrations in modern Britain.

The Metropolitan Police reported that around 110,000 people participated in Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march, which was kept separate from a nearby “Stand Up to Racism” counter-protest attended by approximately 5,000 people.

Police intervened at multiple points to prevent demonstrators from entering “buffer zones” between the two protests, breaking police lines, or reaching opposing groups. Several officers were assaulted during the march, prompting reinforcements with protective gear, supported by mounted police, to be deployed.

The event marked the culmination of a highly charged summer in Britain, characterized by protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers.

Protesters carried the Union Jack and the red-and-white St. George’s Cross flag of England, while others displayed U.S. and Israeli flags and wore “MAGA” hats associated with former President Donald Trump. They shouted slogans criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and held placards reading “Send them home.” Some participants even brought their children along.

‘We Trust Tommy’

Robinson described the march as a celebration of free speech. Activists also paid tribute to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this week.

Posting on social media platform X, Robinson wrote, “Millions have already flooded the streets of central London to stand united for our freedom.”

Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, presents himself as a journalist exposing government corruption and counts billionaire Elon Musk among his supporters. The far-right Reform UK party, Britain’s largest anti-immigration political group and currently leading polls, has distanced itself from Robinson, who faces multiple criminal charges.

Sandra Mitchell, a supporter at the rally, told reporters, “We want our country back, we want to bring freedom of speech back on track. They must stop illegal immigration in this country. We trust Tommy.”

Police confirmed that more than 1,600 officers, including 500 from other forces, were deployed across London on Saturday. In addition to monitoring both demonstrations, officers were also tasked with overseeing high-profile football matches and concerts.

Commander Claire Haines, leading the policing operation, stated, “We will approach this as we would any other protest—without fear or bias. We will ensure people can exercise their lawful rights but will respond decisively if any crime or incident occurs.”

She acknowledged that past protests had seen “anti-Muslim rhetoric and offensive slogans targeting minorities,” but reassured communities that they should not feel confined to their homes.

Last Saturday, approximately 900 arrests were made during a protest in London against the banning of the group Palestine Action.

Immigration has become a key political issue in Britain, overshadowing concerns about the struggling economy amid record asylum claims. So far this year, more than 28,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats.

Red-and-white English flags were seen scattered and painted across streets. Supporters framed the display as a spontaneous expression of national pride, while anti-racism campaigners condemned it as a message of hostility toward foreigners.