Tens of thousands marched through central London on Saturday in support of independence. The Metropolitan Police puts the number at about 110,000 people. High-profile extremist Tommy Robinson, aka Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was at the rally and addressed the crowd directly. He called on his supporters to stay peaceful, despite the mounting protests as people started to get angry that they still couldn’t even get near the stage—or hear the speeches.
The rally occurred in the thick of war fever. It fell on the day of the Stand Up to Racism march, which was only allowed to happen under the watchful eyes of thousands of riot cops. Officers in full riot gear with shields formed lines and effectively held back the two opposing marches. The Metropolitan Police cited violent attacks as part of the protests. Others blew whistles, and some protesters threw stones at police, leading authorities to deploy gas and pepper spray to keep their own perimeter.
As tempers flared between members of the anti-racism movement and members of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, Robinson had to plead for peace. While recognizing the anger of the crowd, he called for civility.
“We understand people’s frustrations at not being able to get near the stage or the PA system. We are asking all of you, everyone who is understandably frustrated, to please remain calm and peaceful. Let’s keep things safe and civil.” – Tommy Robinson
Robinson’s presence at the rally and the reactions of various commentators called attention to a serious and widening conflict over freedom of speech in the UK. He declared that patriotism and protection of our borders determine what happens with our future as a country. He suggested that there was a new realization dawning among British citizens.
“Britain has finally awoken,” Robinson stated in a video from the event, adding, “This is never going away.”
His comments resonated with many in the audience that day. Others waved these placards with extreme messages, such as “stop the boats,” “Charlie Kirk RIP” and “enough is enough, save our children.”
The rally referenced recent events in the United States, including the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which some participants brought up during their speeches. Robinson uniquely and unapologetically confronted these feelings. In asking the question, he firmly planted himself as a leader and vocal advocate for a new—and expanding—movement across the country to reclaim our national identity and defend free speech.
Participants who joined the Stand Up to Racism counter-march made it very clear that they opposed Robinson and his supporters. Independent MP Diane Abbott warned that “the far right are a menace to the whole of society” as tensions escalated between the two groups.
Weyman Bennett, a spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism, expressed alarm. He voiced the grave threat of a far-right ideology gaining traction through politics in Britain.
“Where does racism and fascism come from? It comes from the top of our society. They start off by telling lies to divide and rule.” – Weyman Bennett
The police used heavy armament, including armored vans and mounted officers, to protect the two marches from each other. This strategy was key to ensuring no further escalation occurred.
Supporters of Stand Up to Racism marched through downtown to stand up for social justice and inclusivity. Expressing any extremism during the listening session, one applicant underscored that freedom of speech does not allow you to call for violence.
“There’s no such thing as freedom of speech if you say you want to kill someone else.” – Unattributed
As the day progressed, reports and then video of Prime Minister Keir Starmer watching his beloved Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium began to leak out. His absence from the protests underscored the growing political risk in the country.