UK: The Far Right Parades in London – Thousands March for Tommy Robinson’s ‘Unite the Kingdom’ Rally
London’s streets turned into a battleground of ideologies on September 13, 2025. Over 100,000 far-right supporters flooded the capital for a massive rally organized by controversial activist Tommy Robinson. Dubbed “Unite the Kingdom,” the event clashed with anti-racism counter-protests, sparking violence and arrests. What started as a call for “free speech” and British heritage quickly escalated into chaos, highlighting deep divisions in the UK.
The March: A Sea of Flags and Slogans
The rally kicked off around 11 a.m. near Waterloo Bridge. Crowds gathered on Stamford Street, waving Union Jacks and St. George’s Cross flags. Marchers stretched for blocks, chanting anti-immigration slogans like “Stop the boats” and “Send them home.” By midday, police estimated 110,000 attendees had reached Whitehall, shutting down roads from Big Ben to Parliament Square.
Supporters climbed on bus stops and portable toilets for better views of giant screens. Placards read “Enough is enough, save our children” and “We want our country back.” The crowd spilled across Westminster Bridge and beyond Waterloo Station, covering nearly a mile. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, urged no masks, alcohol, or violence via video. His X livestream drew over 300,000 viewers by noon.
This was no small gathering. It dwarfed recent far-right events, with some calling it the largest since the 1930s British Union of Fascists marches. Football hooligan firms and English Defence League (EDL) networks formed the core support. Robinson framed it as a defense of “freedoms” and culture, tying it to global conservative causes.
Who is Tommy Robinson and Why This Rally?
Tommy Robinson founded the EDL in 2009, known for anti-Islamist and nationalist views. He has multiple convictions, including contempt of court for libeling a Syrian refugee in 2021. Banned from previous events due to jail time, he returned after release.
The rally built on summer unrest after the Southport stabbings, which sparked anti-immigrant riots. Robinson linked it to the recent killing of U.S. conservative Charlie Kirk, shot at a Utah event on September 10. In videos, he mourned Kirk as a “martyr for freedom,” boosting turnout. Speakers included Katie Hopkins, Laurence Fox, Ezra Levant, and Steve Bannon via video. Elon Musk even addressed the crowd remotely, drawing criticism for potential incitement.
Anti-extremism group Hope Not Hate predicted 40,000 attendees, but numbers soared. Robinson monetized it heavily, selling merch and tickets. On X, supporters like @BOURNYBOY76 claimed “2.5-3 million patriots,” though police stuck to 110,000.
Counter-Protests: Standing Against Fascism
Opposition was fierce. Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) organized the “March Against Fascism,” drawing about 5,000 near Russell Square. They marched via Kingsway and the Strand to Whitehall, chanting “Refugees welcome here” and “Smash the far right.”
Led by women including MPs Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana, the group waved “Refugees welcome” signs. SUTR highlighted fears in Muslim communities over Robinson’s anti-Muslim rhetoric. On X, @dfertl called it a “wake-up call to the left.” Counter-protesters like @jillyrutter noted the turnout’s scale as concerning.
Clashes and Police Response: Violence Erupts
Tensions boiled over. In Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, Robinson supporters threw projectiles at police, who used batons to push back crowds. Officers on horseback and riot gear separated groups, but assaults occurred. The Met Police deployed 1,600 officers, arresting nine for “significant aggression.”
One officer let a supporter through lines to de-escalate. Scuffles broke out as crowds tried to mix. @LaszloRealtor on X shared videos of Metro police shoving through. SUTR stewards guided safe exits amid blockades.
No major injuries reported, but the Met warned of “unacceptable violence.” The rally wrapped by 6 p.m., with Whitehall cleared.
Broader Context: A Surge in Far-Right Momentum
This march reflects rising nationalism. Reform UK, topping polls, distanced itself, but the turnout signals discontent. Supporter Sandra Mitchell told Reuters: “We want our free speech back… Stop illegal migration.” Critics like @Bob_cart124 on X called for bans: “STOP THE TOMMY ROBINSON HATE MARCHES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!”
Compared to 300,000 at 2023 pro-Palestinian marches, it’s smaller but potent for the far right. Hope Not Hate’s Nick Lowles questioned if it coalesces around Robinson’s Advance UK party.
Media bias claims swirled on X, with @GariJones227 accusing undercounts. @polcia4561 slammed CTV’s “far-right” label.
Reactions and Aftermath: Echoes of Division
Global outlets covered it widely. The Guardian live-blogged Musk’s speech and clashes. AP showed protesters on Westminster lions. On X, @Rhianna_1989 mocked the “massive” turnout sarcastically. @Faith_Nation_ celebrated “over 100,000.”
Luton communities, Robinson’s hometown, resist radicalization, per Guardian video. Muslim groups voiced safety fears.
What Happens Next?
The rally ends, but ripples linger. Police investigate assaults; more arrests possible. It may fuel far-right growth or spark anti-racism unity. Robinson’s influence grows, but so does opposition. As @salvatorRosa noted on X, Musk’s involvement raises platform questions.
This “Unite the Kingdom” exposed fractures. Thousands paraded for heritage; others fought for inclusion. London heals, but the debate rages on. Will it unite or divide further? Only time will tell.