Large Rally in London Organized by Far-Right Activist Tommy Robinson Draws Over 100,000 Attendees

Overview of the Event

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, a significant rally in London, organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, attracted a crowd estimated between 110,000 and 150,000 participants. The event, titled “Unite the Kingdom,” quickly escalated into unrest as clashes broke out between Robinson’s supporters and police, who were tasked with maintaining order and separating the groups.

Clashes with Police

The Metropolitan Police reported that a small faction of rally attendees engaged in violent confrontations with law enforcement. Officers were subjected to physical assaults, including punches, kicks, and projectiles such as bottles thrown from the crowd. In response to the escalating situation, additional officers equipped with helmets and riot shields were deployed to support the more than 1,000 officers already on duty.

In total, 26 police officers sustained injuries during the event, with four suffering serious injuries, including a concussion, broken teeth, a potential broken nose, and a spinal injury. Authorities confirmed that at least 25 individuals were arrested for various offenses, including violent disorder and assault. The police investigation into the incidents is ongoing.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist addressed the situation, stating, “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.” He highlighted the confrontational behavior exhibited by some attendees, who attempted to breach police cordons designed to ensure safety during the rally.

The Rally’s Themes

The rally was framed as a demonstration in support of free speech, yet it prominently featured anti-migrant sentiments. Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a well-known figure in the far-right movement in Britain, having previously founded the English Defense League, which is known for its nationalist and anti-Islam stance.

Among the speakers at the rally was far-right French politician Eric Zemmour, who expressed concerns over what he termed the “great replacement” of European populations by migrants. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of the X platform, participated via video link, criticizing the UK government for what he described as a “destruction of Britain” due to uncontrolled migration.

Robinson himself spoke passionately to the crowd, claiming that migrants had more legal rights than British citizens. His remarks resonated with many attendees amid ongoing national debates regarding the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats, often without authorization.

Counterprotests and Public Sentiment

Simultaneously, a counterprotest titled “March Against Fascism,” organized by Stand Up To Racism, attracted around 5,000 participants. This group voiced opposition to the far-right movement, carrying signs with messages such as “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.” The contrasting themes of both rallies highlighted the deep divisions within British society regarding issues of migration and national identity.

Participants in the “Unite the Kingdom” rally waved flags, including the St. George’s flag and the Union Jack, while chanting slogans like “we want our country back.” Many supporters displayed signs with messages calling for an end to immigration, reflecting a broader trend of rising nationalism observed throughout the UK.

The Atmosphere of the Event

As the rally progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly charged. While the majority of the event remained peaceful for a significant duration, tensions escalated in the late afternoon. Supporters of Robinson began throwing objects at the counterprotesters, and attempts were made to breach police barriers. Officers were compelled to employ force to prevent the crowd from overwhelming their positions.

In a particularly alarming incident, a man was seen with blood streaming down his face while being escorted by police away from the Robinson supporters. The circumstances surrounding his injuries were unclear at the time.

Historical Context

This rally marks a notable moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding migration and nationalism in the UK. It follows a summer of heightened anti-migrant protests, particularly after a serious incident involving a convicted sexual offender who had been housed in a hotel for asylum seekers. This incident sparked outrage and led to a series of confrontational protests, some of which turned violent.

Robinson had previously planned a “Unite the Kingdom” rally in October 2024; however, he was unable to attend due to a jail sentence for contempt of court related to a libel case involving a Syrian refugee.

Conclusion

The “Unite the Kingdom” rally organized by Tommy Robinson underscores the growing polarization in British society regarding migration and national identity. The significant turnout and subsequent clashes with police highlight the passionate sentiments on both sides of this contentious issue.

Key Facts

– Over 110,000 participants attended the rally organized by Tommy Robinson in London.
– Clashes between Robinson’s supporters and police resulted in injuries to 26 officers.
– At least 25 arrests were made for offenses including violent disorder and assault.
– The rally featured anti-migrant rhetoric and was attended by prominent far-right figures, including Eric Zemmour and Elon Musk.
– A counterprotest organized by Stand Up To Racism drew around 5,000 participants.

Source: www.npr.org