Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Sep 14: A far-right march led by activist Tommy Robinson turned violent in central London on Saturday as a massive crowd of more than 110,000 clashed with police, leaving 26 officers injured and at least 25 people arrested.
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally, billed as a free-speech protest, saw some supporters throw bottles and punch officers as police tried to keep them apart from counter protesters. Four officers suffered serious injuries, including broken teeth, a concussion, a possible broken nose and a spinal injury, the Metropolitan Police said. Reinforcements with helmets and riot shields were called in to assist over 1,000 officers already deployed.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said while many attended peacefully, “there were many who came intent on violence,” confronting officers and attempting to breach cordons.
The march, far larger than expected with up to 150,000 participants, was countered by around 5,000 demonstrators in a “March Against Fascism” organized by Stand Up To Racism. Rival groups traded chants such as “stop the boats” and “refugees welcome” as police worked to maintain order.
Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and founder of the anti-Islam English Defence League, addressed the rally alongside far-right figures including French politician Eric Zemmour. Tesla CEO Elon Musk appeared via video, criticizing the UK government and warning of “massive uncontrolled migration.”
Crowds carrying Union Jacks and St George’s flags stretched from Big Ben to beyond Waterloo station, nearly a kilometre long. By late afternoon, tensions flared as Robinson supporters hurled objects and tried to break through barriers separating them from counterprotesters, prompting a forceful police response.
Saturday’s unrest comes amid rising tensions over migrants crossing the English Channel and follows a summer of anti-migrant protests across Britain.