More than 110,000 people attended a far-right street protest in London organised by activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, in what is thought 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.
The Metropolitan Police said at least 25 people were arrested and 26 officers were injured, including four seriously. Marchers were arrested for affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage. Police reported being assaulted with kicks, punches, bottles, flares and other projectiles.
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 told protesters they faced 'the great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture'.
About 5,000 counter-protesters from trade unions and anti-fascist groups marched separately in central London. The main rally, which began on Whitehall, quickly became overcrowded, forcing police to close the area to new marchers before speakers had even taken the stage.
Attendees, largely white and waving union jack and St George flags, chanted slogans and held signs in support of Tommy Robinson. One woman from Merseyside said she was 'British through and through' and felt the need to attend for her country. Another from south Wales said the kingdom needed to unite.
The scale of the protest vastly exceeded police estimates, leading to tense clashes. The Met said officers 'faced unacceptable violence' as the crowds swelled.
