Over 100,000 Attend London Rally Led by Far-Right Activist Tommy Robinson

In a significant demonstration that drew substantial crowds, over 100,000 people gathered in London on Saturday for a rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Known for his controversial views on immigration and Islam, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, framed the event as a defense of free speech, British heritage, and culture. The rally, dubbed “Unite the Kingdom,” took place near the UK Prime Minister’s residence on Downing Street and featured prominent far-right speakers, including Katie Hopkins and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon.

A Divided City

The atmosphere in London was charged as supporters of Robinson’s rally marched from two directions—Waterloo Bridge and Lambeth Bridge—converging on Whitehall, adjacent to the Houses of Parliament. Demonstrators waved a variety of flags, including Union Jacks, the St George’s Cross, and the Israeli Star of David, while chanting slogans that targeted political figures like Labour leader Keir Starmer. The Metropolitan Police reported that the event was marked by tensions, with over 1,600 officers deployed to manage the situation and maintain a buffer between Robinson’s supporters and a counter-protest organized by the group Stand Up to Racism, which attracted around 5,000 participants.

Claims of Injustice

During the rally, Robinson energized the crowd with claims that migrants had more legal rights than British citizens, asserting that the latter were being marginalized in their own country. This rhetoric resonates with a segment of the UK population that feels disillusioned with the current immigration policies and the treatment of asylum seekers. One attendee, who traveled from Scotland, expressed frustration over the visibility of homelessness among British citizens, suggesting that empty buildings should be repurposed to provide shelter for both the homeless and immigrants.

The rally comes in the context of heightened tensions surrounding immigration in the UK, particularly following a summer marked by protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers. These protests gained traction after the arrest of an Ethiopian man who was later convicted of sexually assaulting a minor in a London suburb, further fueling anti-immigrant sentiments.

Counter-Protests and Clashes

As the rally unfolded, the Metropolitan Police reported that at least 25 individuals were arrested, and 26 officers sustained injuries, with four of them seriously hurt. The police had to intervene as some of Robinson’s followers attempted to breach cordons set up to separate the two groups. The Stand Up to Racism campaign group condemned the violence, questioning whether Robinson’s supporters were genuinely “ordinary people” or “far-right thugs.” The counter-protesters held signs with messages such as “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right,” and they chanted slogans urging solidarity and resistance against racism.

Growing Political Influence

Robinson’s rally also highlights the rising influence of the far-right Reform UK party, which has gained traction in recent polls, suggesting it could become the largest political party in the UK if a general election were held soon. The party’s anti-immigrant stance aligns closely with the sentiments expressed at the rally, as demonstrators displayed placards with slogans like “send them home” and “stop the boats,” referring to the perilous journeys undertaken by asylum seekers across the English Channel.

While the turnout for Robinson’s rally was significant, it was notably smaller than previous large-scale protests, such as a pro-Palestinian march in November 2023 that reportedly attracted around 300,000 participants. Nonetheless, the scale of the rally underscores the deep divisions within British society regarding immigration and national identity.

Conclusion

The “Unite the Kingdom” rally led by Tommy Robinson serves as a reflection of the growing polarization in the UK over immigration and cultural identity. With the rise of far-right sentiments and increasing public demonstrations, the political landscape in the country appears to be shifting, raising questions about the future of social cohesion and the treatment of immigrants in British society.

Key Facts

– Over 100,000 people attended the rally organized by Tommy Robinson in London.
– The Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,600 officers to manage the event.
– At least 25 individuals were arrested, and 26 officers were injured during the protests.
– The counter-protest by Stand Up to Racism attracted around 5,000 participants.
– Robinson’s rally reflects rising support for the far-right Reform UK party, which is gaining political influence.

Source: www.aljazeera.com