A large anti-migrant march in London, organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, erupted in violence on Saturday, resulting in the arrest of at least 25 individuals. The demonstration, dubbed ‘Unite the Kingdom,’ attracted an estimated 150,000 participants and quickly devolved into clashes between protesters and police attempting to separate them from counter-protesters.
The Metropolitan Police reported at least 26 officers suffered injuries, four of them critical. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist stated that officers acted impartially and that injuries ranged from concussion to broken teeth. He emphasized that the arrests represent just the beginning of the investigation and that those responsible will be held accountable.
British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood strongly condemned the violence, vowing that anyone involved in criminal activity will face the full force of the law. Business Secretary Peter Kyle echoed this sentiment, criticizing Robinson for exploiting public anxieties to incite hatred and violence. He specifically condemned Robinson's actions in fueling the unrest.
Robinson’s supporters also reportedly assaulted participants in a rival ‘March Against Fascism’ demonstration organized by the Stand Up to Racism group, which drew around 5,000 attendees. The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protesters used items as projectiles against the counter-demonstrators, while attempting to breach police barriers. Signs displayed by Robinson’s supporters included xenophobic slogans such as “stop the boats,” “send them home,” and “enough is enough, save our children.” Many waved English and Union Jack flags, chanting nationalistic slogans like “we want our country back.” In contrast, counter-protesters carried signs advocating for refugees and opposing the far-right.
The marches occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing debate about migrants crossing the English Channel. Although the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march was large, it fell short of the estimated 300,000 participants at a pro-Palestinian rally held in November 2023.
Robinson's history includes past convictions for assault, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court, highlighting his controversial profile and repeated clashes with the law. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by UK authorities in managing large-scale demonstrations and mitigating the potential for violence associated with far-right activism.
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Originally published at: https://www.euronews.com/2025/09/14/police-assaulted-during-massive-london-march-organised-by-far-right-activist-tommy-robinso
