Thousands descend on London for two major protests
Thousands of people flocked to London for two massive demonstrations during the STG4.5 million (A$8.4 million) police operation.
Police estimate around 50,000 people will attend Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march, while 30,000 people are expected to attend the pro-Palestinian Nakba Day rally.
Approximately 4,000 police officers will be on duty, as well as armored vehicles, police horses, dogs, unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters, as the Met aims to prevent clashes between the two rallies.
Many of the crowds gathering for the Unite the Kingdom march wave Union flags, while protesters in South Kensington hold Palestinian flags and banners reading “dismantle the far right” for the pro-Palestinian rally.
Chants of “Keir Starmer is a scumbag” and “We want Starmer out” were heard from the Unite the Kingdom march.
The pro-Palestinian march featured a large group of protesters carrying signs and banners reading “Bristol stands with Palestine”, “Stop Trump, Stop Farage” and “Free the Palestinian Hostages”, along with many keffiyehs.
“Today we Unite the Kingdom and the West in the greatest show of patriotism the world has ever seen,” Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted on X on Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, National Education Union general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “We are marching today to show that we will not allow Tommy Robinson and the far right to divide our communities.”
Sabby Dhalu, a convening partner at Stand Up To Racism, said: “Violence broke out the last time Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom demonstration mobilized one of the largest far-right street demonstrations in recent British history.
“This comes amid broader attempts by figures like Elon Musk to amplify far-right narratives and promote political instability.
“The far right is trying to take advantage of the cost of living crisis to create a dangerous street movement, fueling racism and falsely blaming immigrants and refugees for people’s hardships.
“History shows where such policies can lead.”
Justice Minister David Lammy said authorities would take action “swiftly” if protests turn violent.
In a post on X on Saturday, he said: “Organisers of the Unite the Kingdom march are spreading hatred and division.
“They do not reflect the Britain I am proud of. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and I will always protect it.
“But if the protest turns violent, we will take action quickly with extra court capacity.”
