More than 110,000 people attended a far-right protest in central London on Saturday, organised by activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. The Metropolitan Police reported at least 25 arrests and 26 officers injured, four seriously, as clashes broke out between demonstrators and police.
The rally, billed as a 'festival of free speech', featured speeches from Elon Musk via video link and French far-right politician Éric Zemmour. Musk spoke of 'the rapidly increasing erosion of Britain' and called for the dissolution of Parliament. Zemmour promoted the 'great replacement' conspiracy theory, claiming 'you and we are being colonised by our former colonies'.
Police said officers faced 'unacceptable violence' including kicks, punches, and projectiles such as bottles and flares. The crowd, largely white and waving Union Jack and St George flags, chanted slogans including 'Keir Starmer's a wanker' and 'Whose street? Our street'. Stalls sold books co-authored by Robinson titled 'Manifesto: Free Speech, Real Democracy, Peaceful Disobedience' and 'Mohammed's Koran: Why Muslims Kill for Islam'.
About 5,000 counter-protesters from trade unions and anti-fascist groups marched separately in central London. The Metropolitan Police estimated the far-right turnout vastly exceeded expectations, leading to overcrowding in Whitehall and Parliament Square.
