UK Police Clash With 1.5 Lakh at London Rally Led by Tommy Robinson, 25 Held

Central London witnessed violent clashes on Saturday as between 1,10,000 and 1,50,000 people joined a rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Police said 25 arrests were made after officers were assaulted with “kicks and punches” and pelted with bottles and flares while trying to control the crowds.

The Metropolitan Police estimated around 1,10,000 attended Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” protest, while some 5,000 joined a counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up to Racism. Nearly 1,000 officers were deployed to keep the rival groups apart, but violence erupted when police intervened.

Robinson, 42, who has multiple convictions, called the rally the country’s “biggest free speech festival” and declared it “the spark of a cultural revolution.” Marchers waved English and British flags, crossing Westminster Bridge before gathering near Downing Street, where speeches were delivered by far-right figures including France’s Eric Zemmour and Germany’s Petr Bystron.

Elon Musk also addressed the crowd via video link, warning: “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.” Placards featured “stop the boats” slogans and images of US activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this week.

The protest reflected surging anti-immigration sentiment in Britain, with Reform UK rising in polls and asylum-seeker hotels becoming flashpoints. Counter-protesters rejected Robinson’s message, with Labour MP Diane Abbott accusing him of spreading “dangerous lies” and urging solidarity with asylum seekers.

Police imposed strict conditions requiring both rallies to disperse by evening, with reinforcements drafted from outside London.