London’s streets were packed with thousands on September 13 as Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally brought immigration, free speech, and national identity to everyone’s attention. Some protesters clashed violently with police while a counter-protest of 5,000 demanded inclusivity and solidarity with migrants, highlighting a city divided over culture, policy, and the nation’s future.
Tommy Robinson, an anti-immigration activist, organized the “Unite the Kingdom” march, which attracted larger audiences than anticipated; according to police, between 110,000 and 150,000 people participated. While wearing “Make America Great Again” hats, carrying the Union Jack and St George’s Cross, and waving Israeli and American flags, protesters chanted anti-prime minister Keir Starmer and anti-immigration slogans.
Violence broke out as police attempted to separate the right-wing marchers from the about 5,000 counter-protesters assembled at Whitehall, coordinated by the “Stand Up to Racism” campaign organization. Metropolitan Police described some of the demonstrators’ actions as “unacceptable violence,” resulting in four officers being gravely injured, including broken teeth, head injuries, and a prolapsed disc. At least 25 people were arrested during the unrest, and more are expected in the coming days.
Marchers held the Union Jack and the St George’s Cross, while others wore symbols from allied countries like the United States and Israel. Chants and placards demanded stronger immigration laws and highlighted what many see as the decline of British values. “We want our country back; we want our freedom of speech back,” stated participant Sandra Mitchell. “They need to stop illegal migration into this country.”
The event occurred during a period of high political tension, following instances involving asylum seekers that aroused public controversy. Robinson described the event as both a celebration of British tradition and a call for citizens’ rights, describing it as “the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain.”
Prominent people attended the protest, including US entrepreneur Elon Musk via video link, French politician Eric Zemmour, and Petr Bystron of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk warned of Britain’s rapid decline as a result of unregulated migration and called for a change in leadership, while Zemmour expressed concern about cultural displacement throughout Europe.
While a small counter-protest of about 5,000 people assembled in downtown London, the vast majority of the attendees remained calm. London’s Metropolitan Police sent 1,600 police to keep order, and while there were some minor scuffles, arrests were made only when required. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist accepted peaceful protest, but stated that authorities will take action against anyone who intended to cause violence.
The event reflects the growing power of patriotic and right-wing movements in Britain. Experts observe that several far-right factions, as well as new participants motivated by cultural and economic concerns, are coming together to form a broad coalition pushing for the country’s future. Joe Mulhall of the antiracist organization Hope Not Hate called it “probably the largest far-right demonstration ever in Britain,” emphasizing its historical significance.
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For many people, the march provided an opportunity to assert their rights, express concerns about immigration, and push for policies that prioritize British nationals. Emily Rose, who traveled from Scotland, stated, “I knew I had to be here. “We need to be heard.”
As Reform UK and other right-leaning political forces gain traction, rallies like “Unite the Kingdom” demonstrate that patriotism, cultural pride, and the call for stronger immigration policies resonate widely with the public. In the midst of social and political upheaval, London on Saturday served as a reminder that millions of Britons are determined to make their voices heard.
