Dorothy Brown More than 100,000 protesters gathered in central London on Saturday 13 September 2025 to participate in one of the United Kingdom’s largest right-wing and anti-immigration demonstrations in recent years. The march, called “Unite the Kingdom,” was organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and was marked by intense confrontations with police, a smaller counter-protest, and widespread attention across the UK and internationally.
The March and Key Details
The “Unite the Kingdom” rally attracted roughly 110,000 participants according to the Metropolitan Police, far exceeding expectations and overwhelming planned security measures. Protesters waved flags of England and Britain including the Union Flag and the red and white St George’s Cross. Some also displayed American and Israeli flags and wore MAGA hats associated with former US President Donald Trump.
Demonstrators voiced strong opposition to current immigration policies, chanting slogans such as “send them home” and carrying placards critical of UK prime minister Keir Starmer. The event drew families, including children, and had a distinctly nationalist and anti-Islam tone promoted by the organisers.
Police and Counter-Protest
A smaller counter-demonstration called “Stand Up to Racism,” attended by around 5,000 protesters, formed near the event to oppose the far-right march. Around 1,600 police officers were deployed to manage the situation, separating the two groups and trying to maintain order.
Violence erupted at points during the march with police officers facing assaults including being kicked, punched, and attacked with bottles and flares. The police stated that some protesters breached barriers and attempted to confront the counter-protesters. So far, at least 26 officers sustained injuries, with nine arrests made and more expected as investigations continue.
Background and Broader Context
The march capped a summer of heightened tensions in Britain over immigration and migrant accommodation, including protests outside hotels hosting asylum seekers. Tommy Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a controversial figure known for anti-Islam and anti-immigration activism, and his previous leadership of the English Defence League.
Robinson framed the march as a defence of free speech and British cultural heritage, appealing to nationalist sentiments in parts of the population concerned about immigration levels and the integration of migrant communities.
Reaction and Impact
London Mayor Sadiq Khan condemned the violence and assaults on police as “absolutely intolerable,” while authorities pledged to hold those responsible accountable. The size and intensity of the rally highlight deep divisions within British society over immigration and national identity, brewing over recent years and coming to a head in public demonstrations such as this.
The event has sparked significant debate across media and political spheres about the future of immigration policy, integration, and the boundaries of lawful protest.
Summary
The “Unite the Kingdom” anti-immigration march in London brought over 100,000 protesters onto the streets, culminating in clashes with police and sparking fierce debate over migration and national identity in the UK. Orchestrated by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, the rally reflected ongoing divisions amid rising nationalist sentiments and concerns about immigration. Police faced significant challenges maintaining order and protecting all participants, with multiple officer injuries and arrests reported.
