Thousands gathered in central London on Saturday for what is expected to be the UK’s largest far-right rally in decades, organised by Tommy Robinson. The event featured speakers including Steve Bannon, Ant Middleton, and Joey Mannarino, with tensions high following the recent killing of Charlie Kirk, which Robinson has used to mobilise support.
Police imposed a pause on new leave bookings to manage the event, which the anti-extremism group Hope Not Hate estimated would attract upwards of 40,000 attendees. A counter-protest led by Stand Up to Racism also took place, with MPs Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott among those marching.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has increasingly adopted Christian nationalist rhetoric and recently joined Advance UK, a party set up by former senior figures in Reform UK. The rally is seen as a test of whether Robinson can consolidate far-right support, with some questioning his ability to step up politically.
Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate noted the movement is to the right of Reform UK, and its future direction remains uncertain. The Metropolitan police had engaged in discussions with Robinson prior to the event, which required advance notice for planning purposes.
