Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled central London on Saturday as two major protests unfolded simultaneously — one focused on opposition to immigration levels and concerns over
British identity, and another expressing solidarity with Palestinians.
Authorities launched one of the largest policing operations in recent years, deploying around 4,000 officers, including additional personnel brought in from outside the capital. Police said they would use their powers aggressively to maintain order during the marches.
By mid-afternoon, roughly four hours after the demonstrations began, police reported 31 arrests linked to various offences. Despite the scale of the gatherings, officials described both events as mostly peaceful and “largely without significant incident.” Attendance across the protests was expected to exceed 80,000 people.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer sharply criticised organisers of the anti-immigration rally ahead of the event, accusing them of promoting hatred and division.
The “Unite the Kingdom” march was organised by anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson. British authorities had previously blocked 11 individuals described as foreign far-right figures from entering the country to participate in the protest.
Supporters of Robinson gathered carrying predominantly British and English flags. Many participants voiced frustration over migration policies and broader political issues.
“I think the scale of migration is creating serious pressures and disturbing the balance in the country,” said protester Allison Parr, who also expressed opposition to net-zero climate policies.
Immigration has remained a politically sensitive issue in Britain in recent years. Net migration reached close to 900,000 in both 2022 and 2023 before falling to approximately 200,000 last year following stricter visa regulations.
Concerns surrounding immigration, including the arrival of asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in small boats, have increasingly shaped the political debate and affected public support for Starmer’s government. The issue has also strengthened the right-wing Reform UK party, although its leader, Nigel Farage, has publicly distanced himself from Robinson.
A previous demonstration led by Robinson in September drew an estimated 150,000 people and ended with clashes that injured 26 police officers, including four seriously.
