Tens of Thousands March in London Against Far Right in Historic Multicultural Protest
Tens of thousands of people have gathered in London to participate in a massive demonstration against the far right, marking what organisers describe as the biggest multicultural protest in UK history. The Together Alliance march saw a diverse crowd unite in a powerful show of opposition to far-right politics, with participants travelling from across the country to make their voices heard.
Organisers Claim Half a Million, Police Estimate 50,000
Organisers of the event claimed that an impressive half a million people had journeyed to the capital for the Together Alliance march. However, police estimated the turnout was closer to 50,000, though they acknowledged it was challenging to judge the exact number due to the widespread and dispersed nature of the crowd. The march began in Park Lane and proceeded to Trafalgar Square via Whitehall, featuring more than 100 charities, campaign groups, and trade unions marching in solidarity.
This protest was organised as a direct response to Tommy Robinson's "unite the kingdom" rally in September, which attracted 110,000 people through central London. The Together Alliance aimed to counter that message with one of unity and inclusivity, drawing support from a wide array of celebrities and public figures.
Celebrity Support and Performances Highlight the Event
The event was bolstered by support from numerous high-profile celebrities, including actors Christopher Eccleston, David Harewood, Lenny Henry, Steve Coogan, Toby Jones, Lolly Adefope, and Maxine Peake. Musicians such as Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church, Brian Eno, and Beverley Knight, along with comedian James Acaster, also lent their voices to the cause. Dozens of coaches arrived from all over the UK, with ten coming from Manchester alone, underscoring the national reach of the protest.
Demonstrators were treated to performances from artists like Self Esteem, Jessie Ware, Katy B, Joy Crookes, UB40, and Hot Chip, adding a vibrant cultural element to the political gathering. Speeches from Labour MP Diane Abbott and Green party leader Zack Polanski drew roars of approval from the crowd assembled on Whitehall.
Speeches Emphasise Community Organising and Hope
In his address, Zack Polanski urged attendees to return to their communities and organise ahead of the upcoming local elections. "Go back to your communities, to the community centres, to your trade unions, to your friends, to your neighbours," he said. "We must organise in our communities. Local elections are coming in just a few weeks’ time." He added, "We will defeat hate. It’s time to make hope normal again."
Polanski later emphasised that the tide is turning against the far right, stating, "There have been dark times, I know people have been scared and we have been afraid, but days like this are here to send a message – a message to Tommy Robinson, to Nigel Farage, to those who appease them."
Creative Costumes and Environmental Messaging
Attendees brought creativity to the march with costumes, including depictions of Jesus and the grim reaper. Woody, a participant dressed as the grim reaper and part of the group Cut the Ties to Fossil Fuels, explained his attire by saying he had come "dressed as Big Oil." He highlighted the link between fossil fuel funding and political groups, noting, "Big Oil are one of the major funders of Reform UK. We’re here to make that link that we need to cut the ties to fossil fuels."
Woody, who is in his mid-50s, remarked on the resurgence of left-right political discourse, saying, "I hear people talking about left and right in a way that I haven’t heard since I was in school." He stressed the importance of unity on the left, adding, "It’s a numbers game in a way. This is really important to send a message. So I’m really excited about being here today and being part of a much bigger thing."
Environmental Groups and Silent Protests
Numerous environmental groups were present at the march, with the red rebels from Extinction Rebellion making a striking appearance. They walked silently in the opposite direction to the main march, adorned with white painted faces and red robes, aiming to draw attention to the ongoing climate crisis. Their presence underscored the intersection of environmental and social justice issues within the broader protest movement.
Police Arrests and Separate Demonstrations
The Metropolitan Police reported two arrests for individuals climbing up the National Gallery columns, along with five other arrests related to the event. Separately, police arrested 18 people who had staged a demonstration in support of Palestine Action outside New Scotland Yard. This action comes days after the Met announced it would resume arresting protesters for holding signs in support of the group, following a temporary pause after a high court ruling deemed the government's ban unlawful. The Met stated that officers would resume such arrests as the appeal against the ruling is expected to take several months.
Disruption at Reform UK Rally in Croydon
In a related incident, two young campaigners from the youth climate justice group Green New Deal Rising disrupted Nigel Farage's speech at a Reform UK rally in Croydon. Video footage showed the protesters challenging Farage at the Fairfield Halls conference centre, met with a loud chorus of boos as security intervened. One protester shouted, "You are not welcome in London," highlighting the ongoing tensions and activism surrounding far-right figures and events.
This historic march in London serves as a powerful testament to the growing movement against far-right politics in the UK, uniting diverse groups and individuals in a call for hope, unity, and progressive change.
