An estimated 60,000 people attended a far-right 'Unite the Kingdom' march in London on Saturday, organised by Tommy Robinson, while a pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally drew around 20,000 participants, according to police estimates. The Metropolitan Police reported 31 arrests across both demonstrations for various offences, including grievous bodily harm and encouraging attacks on police officers.
The far-right march, which saw a significant drop in numbers from 150,000 in September, featured Nick Tenconi, former head of Nigel Farage's UKIP party, who called for the military to deport 'Islamists, illegals and communists'. A Polish politician, Dominik Tarczynski, appeared via video link after claiming he was banned from entering the UK.
Pro-Palestine organisers claimed at least 250,000 attended their rally, though police estimated 20,000. The demonstration, marking Nakba Day, concluded peacefully, with Parliament Square and Whitehall largely cleared by evening. Weyman Bennett of Stand Up To Racism said the far right failed to divide communities, while campaign group Led By Donkeys projected a pro-immigration message.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy condemned the far-right march, stating it spread hatred and did not reflect Britain. A man was arrested at Euston station in connection with a Birmingham incident where a man was run over after flags were removed from lamp-posts; the victim suffered a broken leg.
