1000’s of demonstrators packed London streets for a number of blocks Saturday for a march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally obtained underway as a lot smaller numbers of counterprotesters, organized by the Stand Up To Racism group, had been gathered below the banner of the “March Towards Fascism.”
Greater than 1,000 cops had been on obligation to patrol the dueling demonstrations and there was a buffer zone to maintain the 2 from participating with one another close to the halls of presidency.
Robinson, whose actual title is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and is understood for his nationalist and anti-migrant views, billed the march as an indication totally free speech, and in addition stated it was in protection of British heritage and tradition.
The marches come at a time when the U.Okay. has been riven by debate over migrants crossing the English Channel in overcrowded inflatable boats to reach on shore with out authorization.
Quite a few anti-migrant protests had been held this summer time outdoors motels housing asylum-seekers following the arrest of an Ethiopian man who was later convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old lady in a London suburb. A few of these protests grew to become violent and led to arrests.
Contributors within the “Unite the Kingdom” march carried the St. George’s red-and-white flag of England and the union jack, the state flag of the UK, and chanted “we would like our nation again.” U.Okay. flags have proliferated this summer time throughout the U.Okay. — at occasions and on village lampposts — in what some have stated is a present of nationwide delight and others stated displays a tilt towards nationalism.
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Some Robinson supporters held indicators saying “cease the boats,” “ship them dwelling,” and “sufficient is sufficient, save our kids.”
On the counterprotest, the group held indicators saying “refugees welcome” and ”smash the far proper,” and shouted “rise up, battle again.”
Robinson supporters chanted crude refrains about U.Okay. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and in addition shouted messages of help for slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
One demonstrator held an indication saying: “Freedom of speech is useless. RIP Charlie Kirk.”
Robinson had deliberate a “Unite the Kingdom” rally final October, however couldn’t attend after being jailed for contempt of courtroom for violating a 2021 Excessive Courtroom order barring him from repeating libelous allegations in opposition to a Syrian refugee who efficiently sued him. He beforehand served jail time for assault and mortgage fraud.
Robinson based the nationalist and anti-Islamist English Defence League and is among the most influential far-right figures in Britain. He urged followers to not put on masks, drink booze or get violent.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
