Tommy Robinson’s London Rally Turns Violent Amid Clashes

Photo:Reuters

A massive demonstration in London led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew an estimated 1,10,000 people on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The rally, called “Unite the Kingdom”, was meant to show support for free speech but quickly turned tense and violent when a small group of Robinson’s supporters clashed with the police and counterprotesters.

The Scale of the March

The size of the crowd was huge, stretching from Big Ben across the River Thames and reaching beyond Waterloo Station — nearly a kilometer long. Robinson’s supporters carried Union Jack flags and St. George’s Cross flags, chanting slogans like “we want our country back” and “stop the boats”. Many held signs demanding a halt to immigration and stronger action against asylum-seekers.

Police estimated Robinson’s rally at over one lakh participants, while the counter-march “March Against Fascism”, organized by anti-racism groups, brought together around 5,000 people. Their banners read “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right”, and they shouted chants such as “stand up, fight back.”

Clashes with Police and Arrests

Tensions escalated when Robinson’s supporters tried to break through the barricades separating the two groups. Police officers, already numbering over 1,000, had to call in reinforcements equipped with helmets and riot shields.

According to officials, several officers were punched, kicked, and hit with bottles. By the end of the evening, at least nine people were arrested, but police said many more offenders had been identified and would face consequences later.

One Robinson supporter was seen with blood streaming down his face while being escorted away by police, as counterprotesters heckled him.

The Messages from the Rally

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is known for leading the English Defence League, a nationalist and anti-Islam group. Speaking in a strained voice, he told the crowd that migrants were given more rights in court than the British people who, in his words, “built this nation.”

The rally also featured speeches from other far-right figures in Europe. French politician Eric Zemmour warned of what he called the “great replacement” — the idea that Europeans were being replaced by migrants from Africa and the Middle East.

Adding to the controversy, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk appeared on video screens to voice his support. Musk criticized the UK government, saying migration was causing the “erosion of Britain” and destroying traditional British culture.

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Background: Rising Anti-Migrant Anger

The rally came at a time of growing tension in Britain over migration. Thousands of migrants continue to cross the English Channel in small boats, sparking fierce political debate.

This summer, anti-migrant protests were held outside hotels housing asylum-seekers. Anger grew after the case of an Ethiopian man convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in London. Some of these protests also turned violent, adding to the charged atmosphere.

At the “Unite the Kingdom” march, many supporters carried posters reading “save our children” and “send them home.” Demonstrators also paid tribute to Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist from the United States who was recently killed. A moment of silence was held, followed by a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace.” Signs reading “Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk” were held high in the crowd.

Police Struggle to Keep Control

For much of the day, the protests remained relatively calm. But by the late afternoon, aggression rose. Supporters of Robinson threw bottles and other objects toward the counterprotest and repeatedly attempted to storm the police barriers.

Police officers had to push back the crowd and secure the fences to prevent direct clashes between the two sides. Despite heavy police presence, several violent incidents occurred.

Comparing with Other Major Protests

Although Robinson’s rally was large, it did not surpass the pro-Palestinian march of November 2023, which had drawn nearly 3,00,000 people, making it one of the biggest demonstrations in recent years.

Robinson himself had planned a similar rally in 2024 but could not attend because he was jailed for contempt of court after making defamatory claims about a Syrian refugee. His past also includes jail time for assault and mortgage fraud.

Why This Matters

The events in London highlight how deeply migration, nationalism, and identity politics are dividing British society. On one side, Robinson and his supporters argue they are defending free speech and national culture. On the other, counterprotesters say their movement spreads hate and racism.

With Britain facing record numbers of asylum-seekers crossing the Channel and far-right groups gaining more visibility, such rallies are expected to continue — and possibly grow more violent.