• Source:JND
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London protest 2025: Over 100,000 protesters gathered in central London on Saturday for one of the biggest right-wing rallies in decades. The "Unite the Kingdom" march, which was organised by outspoken activist Tommy Robinson, soon turned into a day of violent clashes with police, resulting in at least 26 officers injured and causing 25 arrests.

The Metropolitan Police said the rally, which drew a massive turnout far beyond expectations, was “too big to fit into Whitehall,” the approved protest route. Officers reported facing bottles, flares, and other projectiles as sections of the crowd attempted to break through police lines.

Police Encounter Violence Amid Rising Tensions

According to authorities, trouble broke out when Robinson’s supporters tried to confront a rival counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up to Racism, attended by nearly 5,000 people. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the violence, noting that while many protesters demonstrated peacefully, “there were many who came intent on violence.” He said officers were “kicked, punched, and abused” during attempts to control the crowds.

 

Four officers were seriously injured, suffering broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, a concussion, and even spinal damage. Riot police with shields and helmets had to be deployed to regain control of parts of the march.

What Happened?

• A total of 110,000–150,000 attended Tommy Robinson's "Unite the Kingdom" march in central London.
• The protest was much bigger than the police anticipated, spreading outside Whitehall, the authorized route.
• Violent confrontations broke out when Robinson's fans attempted to face down a competing "Stand Up to Racism" counter-demonstration, which had around 5,000 attendees.
• 26 police officers were injured (four critically) and 25 people were arrested so far, according to the police.
• Riot police in helmets and shields were used after bottles, flares, and objects were hurled.
• Union Jacks, St George's Cross flags, MAGA caps, and placards with slogans against migrants, such as "send them home," were carried by protesters.
• Protesters countered the march promoted division, with an emphasis on unity and inclusion.

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Why It Matters?

• Biggest far-right mobilisation: The demonstration was among the largest right-wing gatherings in the UK in decades.
• Immigration at the forefront of politics: The protest highlighted how immigration has surpassed economic concerns as Britain's leading political debate.
• Global attention: Support from the likes of Elon Musk and Éric Zemmour provided the rally with international attention and credibility with other far-right movements.
• Political repercussions: Established party Reform UK kept its distance, but migration pressure on PM Keir Starmer's administration will only grow stronger.
• Challenge to public order: With 1,600 police officers deployed, the rally put a spotlight on the pressure on London's policing during concurrent large events.
• National mood: From Union flags painted on roadsides to shouts of "we believe in Tommy," the event stands as a witness to an increasing tide of nationalist feeling in Britain.

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Robinson, whose proper name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, spoke to the crowd by dubbing it the beginning of a "cultural revolution." Global figures such as French far-right politician Éric Zemmour and U.S. billionaire Elon Musk also expressed support for the protest, adding to its global punch. Although it set a record for attendance, mainstream party Reform UK distanced itself, pointing to Robinson's criminal past and associations with the English Defence League.