A significant far-right rally, organized by activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, descended upon London today (September 13), drawing over 110,000 participants in what is believed to be the largest nationalist demonstration in decades. Billed as a "festival of free speech," the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally ultimately amplified racist conspiracy theories and anti-Muslim hate speech across Whitehall, the endpoint of the march. The sheer scale of the protest far exceeded police estimations, leading to a tense and at times violent atmosphere.

The Metropolitan Police deployed approximately 1,600 officers and established a 'sterile zone' on Whitehall to separate Robinson's nationalist protesters from a counter-protest organized by 'Stand Up To Racism' and anti-fascist groups, estimated to comprise around 5,000 individuals. Despite police efforts, scuffles erupted in the sterile zone, with officers reporting being "attacked with projectiles," "assaulted with kicks and punches," and facing "unacceptable violence" as bottles, flares, and other items were thrown. The police confirmed that "a number of officers have been assaulted" as 'Unite the Kingdom' protesters attempted to breach cordons.

The separate marches, initially located on opposite sides of the Thames, converged on Whitehall, near Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament. Independent MP Diane Abbott addressed the counter-protestors, asserting that the event demonstrated "fascists cannot walk the streets of London unopposed." She also highlighted that those behind the 'Unite the Kingdom' protest spread "dangerous lies" about men of colour and represented "anti-women forces in society," opposing equal pay and belittling sexual harassment.

Robinson's rally featured a roster of controversial speakers. Tommy Robinson himself declared that "Britain has finally awoken" and that "this is never going away." He claimed that British courts had ruled that the rights of undocumented migrants superseded those of the "local community," referring to Epping council’s failed case against the Home Office, and played a video linking grooming gangs with images of a white woman crying. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk addressed the rally via video link, speaking of "the rapidly increasing erosion of Britain" due to "massive uncontrolled migration" and calling for the dissolution of the UK parliament. Musk also criticized the government's failure to protect its citizens, including children. French far-right politician Éric Zemmour further fueled the crowd, speaking in French, translated for the audience, about "the great replacement of our European people by peoples coming from the south and of Muslim culture," and stating that "you and we are being colonised by our former colonies." Other right-wing commentators like Katie Hopkins and Laurence Fox also spoke.

The atmosphere among Robinson's supporters, largely white, was charged. Chants of "Tommy," "Whose street? Our street," and "England" filled the air, alongside singing "Keir Starmer's a wanker." Many carried Union Jack and St George flags, and signs with messages such as "Why are white people despised when our tax money pays for everything?" and "Call centres: speak English." Attendees expressed strong patriotic sentiments, denying it was a far-right event and claiming they felt their country was being "inundated with ideology" and wanted "our country back." The rally also featured a traditional haka dance by members of the Destiny Church in New Zealand, followed by a song with lyrics "Making the west look like the Middle East." The group then displayed and symbolically tore apart flags of the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, and Palestine, eliciting cheers. Stalls sold books co-authored by Robinson, including "Manifesto: Free Speech, Real Democracy, Peaceful Disobedience."

Ahead of the march, Robinson had urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful, cautioning against aggressive behavior, alcohol consumption, and wearing face coverings. However, the sheer numbers caused Whitehall to close to marchers even before speakers took the stage, leaving thousands stranded on Westminster Bridge and in Parliament Square.

Adding to the controversy, James frontman Tim Booth publicly condemned Tommy Robinson for cynically using their best-known song, "Sit Down," in a social media video promoting the anti-migrant demonstration. Booth stated that no permission was granted and that the band was exploring legal options, emphasizing that the song's message is the "antithesis" of Robinson's organization. The video featured "Sit Down" over aerial footage of the rally, accompanied by Robinson's post: "Britain is awake, we are no longer afraid, you will not take our right to free speech. Kier Starmer, we want our country back." The protests led to significant disruptions, with Westminster Bridge and Whitehall being closed.