Far-Right Rally in London Draws Over 100,000 as Clashes Erupt with Police

World 10:24 AM - 2025-09-14

Police officers standing in front of the demonstrators.

More than 110,000 people gathered in central London on Saturday for a mass rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, with violent clashes breaking out between some of his supporters and police officers deployed to contain the event.

The demonstration, branded “Unite the Kingdom”, far exceeded expectations, with police estimating a crowd of between 110,000 and 150,000. At least 26 officers were injured, four seriously, after being punched, kicked or struck by bottles, while 25 arrests were made for offences including violent disorder, assault and criminal damage, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned those intent on disorder, saying: “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.”

Riot police with helmets and shields were deployed as Robinson’s supporters attempted to break through barriers separating them from a rival counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism, which attracted around 5,000 marchers under the banner “March Against Fascism.”

Nationalist Rhetoric

Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who founded the nationalist English Defence League – told the crowd that migrants had “more rights in court than the British public, the people that built this nation.” Supporters waved Union Jacks and St George’s flags, chanting “we want our country back”, while carrying placards reading “stop the boats” and “send them home.”

Counterprotesters held banners declaring “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right,” chanting “stand up, fight back” in response.

Political Context

The rally comes amid heightened political debate over Channel crossings by migrants in small boats, a polarising issue that has sharpened divisions across the UK. The surge of nationalist imagery – flags flown at events and in towns across the country – has been interpreted by some as a show of patriotism, and by others as evidence of a tilt towards populist nationalism.

Robinson’s return to frontline activism follows a series of legal battles. He was jailed in 2021 for contempt of court and has previously served prison sentences for assault and mortgage fraud. His renewed prominence is seen by analysts as part of a broader far-right mobilisation across Europe, with several foreign politicians attending or expressing support for the London march.

The Metropolitan Police said investigations into the disorder remain ongoing.



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