Central London erupted in violence on Saturday as far-right activist Tommy Robinson led a massive anti-immigration rally. As a result, police said they made 25 arrests after facing “kicks and punches” while trying to control the crowds.
The Metropolitan Police estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people attended the rally. Meanwhile, about 5,000 counter-protesters joined a separate march organized by Stand Up to Racism, according to AFP.
Police Struggle to Contain Chaos
Authorities deployed 1,000 officers to keep the two groups apart. However, tensions escalated sharply when officers moved in to stop clashes. The police described the violence as “unacceptable.”
“They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown,” a police statement said. Furthermore, they confirmed nine arrests initially, while adding that many more suspects had been identified.
Violent right wing mobs organized by Zionist criminal, Tommy Robinson attacked police and counter protestors in London. (🎥 @PaulBrown_UK ) pic.twitter.com/NwGPsg6Y63
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) September 13, 2025
Robinson Declares ‘Cultural Revolution’
The rally, called Unite the Kingdom, focused on anti-immigration demands. Tommy Robinson, 42, who has multiple convictions, branded it as the country’s “biggest free speech festival.”
“The silent majority will be silent no longer,” Robinson told the crowd. “Today is the spark of a cultural revolution.”
Protesters waved English and British flags as they marched across Westminster Bridge. Later, they gathered near Downing Street to hear speeches by far-right figures from Europe and North America, including Eric Zemmour from France and Petr Bystron of Germany’s AfD party.
Elon Musk Issues Warning
In addition, tech billionaire Elon Musk joined the event via video link. He told the crowd, “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.”
Placards in the crowd read “Stop the boats.” Moreover, some carried photos of Charlie Kirk, a conservative American activist who was killed earlier this week.
Anti-Immigration Sentiment on the Rise
The protest occurred as anti-immigration feelings grow in the UK. Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is rising in opinion polls. Meanwhile, asylum-seeker hotels have become regular protest sites.
“It’s an invasion,” said Ritchie, 28, referring to record migration levels. “They don’t understand we want our country back,” he told AFP.
Philip Dodge, a retired baker from Sheffield, expressed concern over recent events. “Every day in the papers you read things and you're stunned,” he said.
“People are being arrested because they dared to talk about immigration or gender issues. I never thought I’d see this in this country.”
Counter-Protesters Reject Far-Right Message
At the same time, counter-protesters gathered under the banner of Stand Up to Racism. They marched to defend immigrants and denounce far-right views.
Labour MP Diane Abbott spoke out against Robinson and his allies. She said they were spreading “nonsense” and “dangerous lies.”
Furthermore, she added, “We need to be in solidarity with asylum seekers, and we need to show that we are united,” speaking to Sky News.
Police Impose Strict Rules
Police set strict conditions for both rallies. They ordered demonstrations to end by evening to prevent further clashes. Additionally, officers from outside London were brought in to help manage the unrest.
Overall, the day left London deeply divided, highlighting Britain’s growing tensions over immigration, free speech, and extremism.