Thousands have converged in central London for a demonstration led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, while simultaneously, anti-racism activists are conducting a counter protest.
The Metropolitan Police have deployed approximately 1,000 officers to manage the events, implementing barriers to create a “sterile area” between the opposing factions.
“London stands strong today in protection of our fundamental right to free speech,” Robinson commented on X.
The streets were adorned with union jacks, St George’s crosses, Scottish saltires, and Welsh flags as large crowds of demonstrators gathered near Waterloo Bridge ahead of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march heading towards Whitehall.
According to the Met, they have also requested assistance from 500 officers from various other police forces, with vehicles arriving from Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Devon and Cornwall.
The protesters displayed a variety of slogans on their banners, such as ‘Stop the Boats,’ ‘Send Them Home,’ and ‘Unite the Kingdom,’ with some attendees identified as anti-transgender activists.
One individual was seen carrying a sizable wooden cross that bore the inscription ‘RIP Charlie Kirk,’ in memory of the right-wing U.S. activist who was shot dead on Wednesday during a speech at a university.
The rally will feature speeches from prominent figures, including Steve Bannon, a former strategist for U.S. President Donald Trump, and presenter Katie Hopkins.
A stage has been erected in Whitehall for the addresses, where several hundred participants had already gathered by early afternoon.
The crowd was seen waving various flags and banners, and music could be heard from a band performing songs celebrating freedom and Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Meanwhile, around 500 individuals assembled near Russell Square for the ‘March Against Fascism’ counter demonstration organized by Stand Up to Racism (SUTR).
Protesters in this group displayed placards stating ‘Women Against the Far Right,’ ‘Oppose Tommy Robinson,’ and ‘Refugees Welcome.’
