London is witnessing one of its biggest anti-immigration rallies in recent history, with more than 100,000 marchers taking to the streets of the city, mobilising around the slogan “Unite the Kingdom.” Organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, the protest-rally displays underlying tensions within British society and mobilised both allies and foes in emotional displays. The protests turned violent after clashes sparked between police and protesters.
Protest Scale and Leadership
The rally, estimated by police and media sources is estimated between 110,000 and 150,000 participants, was led by Robinson and showcased Union flags, St George’s Crosses, and even American and Israeli flags among the crowd. Participants shouted anti-immigration slogans and shouted about sending Prime Minister Keir Starmer “home.” Protesters held signs calling for “send them home.” Robinson kept influencing the large crowd by calling it “the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain,” depicting migrants as having higher rights than “ordinary British citizens.” Participants were of diverse ages, with some bringing children with them.
THERE ARE MILLIONS OUT FOR THE UNITE THE KINGDOM FREE SPEECH FESTIVAL TODAY!!!!
Any mainstream media who prints anything otherwise are LYING.
So feel free to call them out on their bullshit and send this video their way.#UniteTheKingdom #UTK #FreeSpeechLondon pic.twitter.com/5FRB7RxVlH
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) September 13, 2025
Clashes and Police Activity
The protest have turned significantly violent. Metropolitan Police has sent over 1,600 officers, including units from beyond London, as protesters clashed with police when trying to push through barriers between opposing factions. Officers were attacked, bottle-thrown, flared, and pelted with other objects, with at least 26 injuries and 25 arrests reported. Mounted police and riot equipment are brought in to keep things under control and stave off escalation into government areas around Whitehall.
Counter-Protests and Political Responses
A counter-demonstration led by “Stand Up to Racism” has attracted about 5,000 protesters, among them left-wing politicians such as Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana. These protesters waved signs greeting refugees and chanted “stand up, fight back,” denouncing the far-right narrative. The police had a “sterile area” to keep the two groups separated, although reports showed continued efforts to face off. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and police commanders have openly condemned the violence as “wholly unacceptable” and vowe strict enforcement of law against perpetrators.
Wider Social Context
The protests put on display increased tensions in the UK, with regular protests around migrant centres and increased support for hard-right parties such as Reform UK. Immigration has become a dominant issue of British political landscape, surpassing economic troubles as record numbers of asylum seekers flood in by small boat. The far-right narrative asserts a campaign of patriotism, but anti-racist campaigners push the narrative of increasing hostility to outsiders. The size and intensity of London’s anti-immigration protests have been on the national-international headlines, revealing deep divisions around British identity, migration, and the future of the nation.
