London saw one of its largest police mobilisations in recent years on Saturday, as tens of thousands gathered for two opposing rallies. The Metropolitan Police deployed 4,000 officers, supported by horses, dogs, drones, and helicopters, to keep far-right and pro-Palestinian demonstrators apart. The operation, estimated to cost £4.5 million (€5.1 million), also had to manage football fans heading to the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City.
The far-right march, dubbed "Unite the Kingdom," was organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson. A former football hooligan turned anti-Islam activist, Robinson has seen his profile soar, particularly online. Last September, he drew up to 150,000 people to a similar rally in central London. Saturday's event began in west London and ended with speeches near Piccadilly, coinciding with a pro-Palestinian march marking Nakba Day—the expulsion of some 700,000 Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948. An anti-fascism counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up to Racism also took place.
Police Zero-Tolerance Approach
The Met imposed strict conditions on both rallies, including specific routes and timings, to prevent direct confrontation. For the first time, organisers were made legally responsible for ensuring invited speakers did not break hate speech laws. Police warned they would adopt a "zero-tolerance approach" and voiced concerns about football hooligan groups that have previously supported Robinson potentially joining the far-right march.
As of mid-afternoon, police reported 31 arrests for various offences. "While this may seem high, to this point both protests have proceeded largely without significant incident," the Met said in a statement. The force also noted that armoured vehicles were deployed as a precaution.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is facing political pressure after poor local election results earlier this month, issued a stern warning on Friday. "Anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone... can expect to face the full force of the law," he said, accusing Robinson's rally organisers of "peddling hatred and division."
The British government also blocked 11 foreign nationals from entering the UK for the rally, including Polish MEP Dominik Tarczyński, Belgian politician Filip Dewinter, anti-Islam commentator Valentina Gomez, and Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek. "We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence," Starmer added.
Robinson, meanwhile, urged his attendees not to wear masks or drink excessive alcohol, and to be "peaceful and courteous." The rally tapped into growing public anger over immigration, free speech, and other issues, reflecting a radicalised moment in British politics where far-right and far-left parties have gained ground in recent local elections.
For more on the UK's decision to bar foreign far-right figures, see UK Bars Far-Right MEPs and Influencers from London Rally: Who and Why.
