Clashes Erupt at Massive London Rally: 25 Arrested, 26 Cops Injured
London got chaotic on Saturday as a huge right-wing rally turned violent, leading to 25 arrests and injuries to 26 police officers. The London Metropolitan Police shared details in a statement, highlighting how things spiraled out of control during one of the UK’s biggest anti-immigration protests in years.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist called the violence "wholly unacceptable." He revealed that four officers suffered serious injuries, including broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc, and a head wound. "Many people came to peacefully protest their rights," Twist said, "but others showed up ready for trouble. They abused officers verbally and physically, even trying to break through safety barriers."
Police aren’t stopping at the 25 arrests—they’re launching a full investigation to track down more people involved. Twist warned that anyone linked to the disorder will face strong action in the coming days and weeks.
The rally, called Unite the Kingdom, drew massive crowds to central London. Organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, known for his anti-immigration and anti-Islam views, it pulled in an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 participants, according to Al Jazeera. Robinson hyped it as a patriotic stand for British culture and free speech.
But Robinson claimed even bigger numbers on X (formerly Twitter). "Over THREE million patriots hit central London today in a force of patriotism never seen before. And we’re just getting started," he posted. He slammed media reports of 110,000 attendees, accusing them of lying and saying, "Legacy media proving again they’ll just lie to your face for their own agenda. This is why nobody trusts them. We are the media now." He described the event as the start of a "cultural revolution" and called the sight "beautiful."
Tensions boiled over near Whitehall, where right-wing protesters clashed with police. A smaller counter-protest by about 5,000 people under the Stand Up to Racism banner added to the friction. Anti-racism demonstrators waved signs like "Refugees welcome" and "Smash the far right," with UK MPs Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana joining them.
Abbott hit back at Robinson’s supporters, calling their anti-immigrant talk "nonsense and fear-mongering." She stressed that asylum seekers aren’t to blame for the UK’s social and economic woes. The Stand Up to Racism group said some of their members faced attacks during the event, posting on X: "Are these the concerned ordinary people we’ve heard so much about? Or are they far-right thugs?"
Big names joined the rally too. Speakers included US billionaire Elon Musk via video, French far-right leader Éric Zemmour, and German MP Petr Bystron from the AfD party. Protesters waved UK flags, St George Crosses, American and Israeli flags, and even sported Make America Great Again hats in support of Donald Trump. Chants rang out like "Send them home," targeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
This rally comes at a time when anti-immigration feelings are rising in the UK. Polls show growing support for the far-right Reform UK party, which could lead if elections happened today—though they’ve distanced themselves from Robinson. The event underscores the heated debates around immigration, racism, and protests shaking the country.
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