Central London Sees Unprecedented Far-Right Gathering
Over 100,000 protesters flooded central London on Saturday for an anti-immigration rally organized by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson. The "Unite the Kingdom" demonstration – reportedly Britain's largest far-right mobilization in decades – resulted in violent clashes with police and 26 injured officers.
Chaos in Whitehall
London's Metropolitan Police admitted being unprepared for the rally's scale, with crowds overwhelming the approved Whitehall route. Officers faced bottles, flares, and physical attacks while attempting to contain the protest. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist confirmed 25 arrests so far, warning of "robust police action" against identified participants in coming weeks.
Summer of Tension
The rally caps a summer marked by anti-migrant protests targeting hotels housing asylum seekers. Attendee Sandra Mitchell told crowds: "We want our country back, we want our free speech back on track." Counter-protester Ben Hetchin, a local teacher, countered: "The idea of hate is dividing us…the more we welcome people the stronger we are."
Migration Policy Under Fire
The demonstration intensifies pressure on UK authorities following record Channel crossings – over 30,000 migrants arrived via small boats this year. With 1,600 officers deployed Saturday, including reinforcements from other regions, the event highlights growing polarization around immigration policies.
