-SPECIAL REPORT-
London’s
Largest Far-Right Rally in Decades: The “Unite the Kingdom” March
On September
13, 2025, central London witnessed one of the most significant far-right
demonstrations in recent British history.
Organized by controversial activist Tommy Robinson, the “Unite the Kingdom” rally drew an estimated 110,000 participants, transforming the heart of the capital into a sea of nationalist fervor, Union Jacks, and anti-immigration slogans.
The rally
began at Stamford Street in Southwark, with marchers proceeding through York
Road, crossing Westminster Bridge, and culminating near Downing Street. The
event was billed as a “free speech festival” and a celebration of British
heritage, but its tone was unmistakably political, with speeches from far-right
figures across Europe and North America. Among the speakers were French
politician Éric Zemmour, Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, Petr Bystron of
Germany’s AfD party, and reportedly, former White House strategist Steve Bannon.
Robinson,
whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressed the crowd with a rallying
cry: “The silent majority will be silent no longer. Today is the spark of a
cultural revolution.” His message resonated with many attendees who expressed
frustration over immigration policies, rising asylum seeker numbers, and what
they perceive as threats to free speech and national identity.
The rally
was not without controversy. Police reported clashes and assaults on officers
as they worked to maintain order and separate the far-right demonstrators from
a counter-protest organized by Stand Up to Racism.
That
counter-demonstration, dubbed the “March Against Fascism,” drew around 5,000
people and featured speeches from figures like Labour MP Diane Abbott, who
condemned Robinson’s movement as dangerous and divisive.
The rally
also served as a tribute to slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk,
whose recent death in Utah was referenced repeatedly throughout the event.
Signs reading “RIP Charlie Kirk” and “Freedom of speech is dead” were prominent
among the crowd.
Security
was tight, with over 1,600 police officers deployed across London, including
reinforcements from other regions. Authorities imposed strict conditions under
the Public Order Act to prevent violence and ensure the two groups did not
converge.
While the
turnout was massive, it fell short of the 300,000 who marched in support of
Palestine in 2023. Nonetheless, the “Unite the Kingdom” rally underscored the
growing influence of far-right activism in the UK, fueled by concerns over
immigration, cultural identity, and political disenchantment.
As
Britain continues to grapple with these issues, the rally stands as a stark
reminder of the deep divisions shaping its political landscape.
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