More than 110,000 people joined a far-right protest in London organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, in what is believed to be the largest nationalist event in decades. The demonstration, billed as a 'festival of free speech', featured racist conspiracy theories and anti-Muslim hate speech, and resulted in violent clashes with police.
The Metropolitan Police reported at least 25 arrests and 26 officers injured, four seriously. Offences included affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage. Officers faced 'unacceptable violence' as bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown.
Elon Musk addressed the crowd via video link, speaking of 'the rapidly increasing erosion of Britain' and calling for the dissolution of the UK parliament. French far-right politician Éric Zemmour also spoke, telling protesters they were subject to 'the great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture'.
The huge turnout meant attendees could not be contained within Whitehall, the march's endpoint, leading to clashes. About 5,000 counter-protesters from trade unions and anti-fascist groups marched separately in central London.
Large crowds displaying union jack and St George flags had gathered since early morning. Marchers sang and chanted slogans including 'Keir Starmer's a wanker' and 'Whose street? Our street'. Some held signs supporting Tommy Robinson, and stalls sold books co-authored by him.
Participants denied the event was far-right, describing it as a 'patriotic visit'. One attendee from Merseyside said she was 'British through and through' and felt the government was 'overcrowding our country'. Another from south Wales said she attended because 'we need to unite the kingdom'.
