Over 110,000 people turned out in central London on Saturday for the “Unite the Kingdom” march, led by far‑right activist Tommy Robinson.
Organisers billed the event as a celebration of free speech, national identity and a backlash against recent immigration policies.
Supporters carried British Union Jacks and the red-and-white St George’s Cross, chanted slogans demanding stricter immigration control, and some wore MAGA hats or held American and Israeli flags.
🚨BREAKING: Official police reports indicate that in excess of 3 MILLION patriots are on the streets of London.
— God Save Great Britain (@GSGB01) September 13, 2025
'Who's streets our streets'
Britain is wide awake 🇬🇧pic.twitter.com/cA3s9qrfEc
Many placards read “Send them home” and “We want our country back.” The event also served as a mourning vigil for recently deceased US conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
‘Stand up to racism’
About 5,000 counter‑protesters gathered under the banner “Stand Up to Racism,” marching to oppose what they described as hate and division.
Tensions escalated in areas where the two groups approached each other; police said some of Robinson’s supporters tried to breach cordons and access so‑called “sterile areas” meant to keep the protests apart.
Officers were reportedly assaulted with projectiles, and additional law enforcement resources, including mounted police, were deployed. At least nine arrests were made.
What is the reason behind the rally?
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally comes amid a summer of escalating public debate over immigration in the UK, with rising numbers of asylum claims and protests outside migrant accommodation.
Protesters criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government and immigration policies, demanding stronger border control. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon, has long been a polarising figure, known for his nationalist rhetoric and past convictions.
Meanwhile, authorities say the sheer scale of these right‑wing rallies reflects growing frustration and political polarisation.
Who is Tommy Robinson?
British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, is well-known for his anti-Islamic stance and leadership positions in groups such as the English Defence League (EDL).
In his past he has served several jail sentences, most of which were for legal offences like libel and contempt of court.
Robinson has long been involved in far-right politics, having ties to Pegida UK, the British National Party, and the British Freedom Party.
In addition, he has produced documentaries and participated in rallies and public protests. On September 13, More than 100,000 people attended an anti-immigration demonstration led by Robinson in central London. .