On Saturday, London saw a massive turnout as more than 100,000 protesters joined the far-right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally led by activist Tommy Robinson. 🚨👥
Police efforts to keep the march on its approved route down Whitehall turned chaotic, with officers facing bottles, flares and physical attacks. At least 26 officers were injured – four seriously – as clashes broke out. 💥👮
The Metropolitan Police deployed over 1,600 officers (including 500 from other forces) and made 25 arrests. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist warned that this is 'just the start' and more participants may face charges in the coming weeks.
Inside the crowd, supporters chanted ‘We want our country back’ and called for stronger free speech protections. At a nearby counter-protest, teacher Ben Hetchin urged unity, saying 'the more that we welcome people, the stronger we are as a country.' 🤝🌍
The rally caps a summer marked by heated debates over immigration in the UK. Last weekend saw over 1,000 migrants crossing the English Channel, bringing this year’s total to more than 30,000 arrivals – a figure that has put the government under fresh pressure to act.
Whether this rally marks a new chapter for far-right activism in the UK or sparks tougher immigration policies, one thing’s clear: London’s streets were a stage for Britain’s sharpest divisions. Stay tuned as the aftermath unfolds. 🔍🇬🇧
Reference(s):
Over 100,000 turn up in far-right activist-led rally in central London
cgtn.com
