Thousands March in "Unite the Kingdom" Rally in Central London

A Growing Far-Right Movement in the UK

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday for a rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The event, titled "Unite the Kingdom," was framed as a protest against what supporters described as the erosion of British identity. Police estimated that around 60,000 people attended, making it one of the largest right-wing mobilizations in recent years, though smaller than a similar rally held last September.

Robinson, the founder of the nationalist and anti-Islamist English Defence League, is one of the most influential far-right figures in Britain. His rally drew crowds carrying St. George's Cross and Union flags, chanting slogans like "we want Starmer out" and "Christ is King." Some participants wore red "Make England Great Again" hats, echoing President Trump’s slogan.

Many attendees cited feelings of being ignored by the government and concern over the direction of the country. Christian imagery was prominent throughout the demonstration, with protesters carrying large wooden crosses, waving crucifixes, and some dressing as Knights Templar. Chris Wickland, who described himself as a priest from the Confessing Anglican Church, told CBS News he was there to "represent Christianity," adding that "something is disappearing from our culture and from our nation … and that was Christianity."

Another participant, draped in an Israeli flag, said he wanted to "bring back Judeo-Christian values to this nation." He claimed not to be Jewish or Israeli but described himself as a British Protestant who believed Israel had "always been an ally to the United Kingdom." Others focused on frustration with public services and national decline, with one veteran saying he felt "the way things are going" made it feel like "a waste of time."

A woman in a wheelchair pointed to the National Health Service, stating that waiting times were "getting silly." There was also a visible Iranian opposition presence, with some demonstrators waving pre-revolutionary Iranian flags. One Iranian man told CBS News he was there to "stand against all people who want to tear down the country."

Political Activism and Public Concerns

Speaking from a stage in Parliament Square, Robinson urged supporters to become politically active ahead of the next general election. "If we don't send a message in our next election, if you don't register to vote, if you don't get involved, if you don't become activists, we are going to lose our country forever," he told the crowd.

Robinson also praised billionaire Elon Musk for his public support. "None of this would have happened if it wasn't for one man. Thank you Elon, on behalf of Great Britain," Robinson said, prompting thousands in the crowd to chant "Elon." At a previous rally in September, Musk appeared by video and urged supporters to "fight back or you die," while calling for political change in Britain.

Although Robinson stopped short of formally endorsing a political party, he encouraged supporters to engage with movements across the British right, including Reform UK and other nationalist groups. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is known for his nationalist and anti-migrant views. He had planned a "Unite the Kingdom" rally in 2024 but couldn’t attend after being jailed for contempt of court for violating a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating libelous allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him. He previously served jail time for assault and mortgage fraud.

Tensions and Government Response

The demonstration took place on the same day as a large pro-Palestinian Nakba Day march elsewhere in central London, prompting one of the Metropolitan Police's largest public order operations in recent years amid fears of clashes between rival groups. Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused organizers of the Unite the Kingdom rally of "peddling hatred and division," calling it "a reminder of what we're up against." He described some participants as "convicted thugs and racists," while prosecutors warned that antisemitic or racially inflammatory chanting would be pursued.

There has been a rise of antisemitism in the U.K., with the government raising the national threat level from "substantial" to "severe." Amid the floundering British economy and disastrous results in local elections this month, Starmer is facing growing calls for him to resign. A fifth of all members of the U.K. Parliament from Starmer's own Labour Party have called on him to step down, and four members of his Cabinet resigned this week in an effort to force him to quit.

The Metropolitan Police deployed around 4,000 officers across the capital, alongside mounted police, drones, helicopters, and live facial-recognition technology at major transport hubs. Police said officers were working to keep the rival demonstrations separated following heightened tensions after recent antisemitic incidents in London.

As of Saturday afternoon, the Metropolitan Police said 31 people had been arrested across both demonstrations "for a variety of offences," though the force said the events had so far proceeded "largely without significant incident." Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the policing operation was expected to cost approximately £4.5 million, or nearly $6 million.

At the pro-Palestinian march, one demonstrator told CBS News he found the Unite the Kingdom rally "worrying" and "frightening." "I think there's a propensity for violence amongst people who talk about the need for mass deportations and enemies within," he said. "A lot of the people at that rally want what's best for their families; they're frightened and frustrated and I understand that. But ultimately a lot of them want violence, and that's frightening."

Robinson's profile has also extended beyond Britain. Earlier this year, he visited the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., where he was hosted by senior U.S. official Joe Rittenhouse, who later wrote on X that he was "honored" to welcome the "free speech warrior" to the department.