LONDON -A huge nationalist rally called “Unite the Kingdom” took over central London, drawing crowds estimated at 110,000 to 150,000 people. The event, led by right-wing activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, attracted one of the largest nationalist gatherings seen in Britain in recent times.
Many people came because they felt let down by the government over migration and what they see as a distant political class, highlighting the deep rift between leaders and everyday people. Violent scenes erupted as some clashed with police, and a smaller counter-protest of about 5,000 was organized by Stand Up to Racism. The turnout and events on the day showed how divided British society has become.
The protest was promoted as a celebration of free speech but centred on anger about immigration, British culture, and dissatisfaction with Labour, now led by Keir Starmer. Many carried Union Jacks, St George’s Crosses, and a few American and Israeli flags, calling out what they saw as uncontrolled arrivals, especially small boat crossings in the Channel.
Slogans like “Send Them Home” and “Stop the Boats” were common, echoing beliefs that the government puts the needs of newcomers above people born in Britain. A Scottish protester told Al Jazeera, “I’m tired of seeing British people sleeping rough while migrants get put up in hotels.” Rally speakers, including Robinson, claimed migrants enjoy more legal protection than locals, building further anger among the crowd.
Tensions ran high throughout the day. Police in London reported making 25 arrests while 26 officers needed medical help, four with serious injuries, after parts of the crowd threw bottles and flares and tried to break through police lines. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood denounced the violence and promised consequences for those responsible.
Uncontrolled Immigration
Despite repeated calls from Robinson to keep calm, speeches by international guests, such as French right-wing politician Éric Zemmour, who warned of a “great replacement” of Europeans, only deepened feelings of unease.
Billionaire Elon Musk, speaking via video, claimed uncontrolled migration is destroying Britain, adding fuel to the fire.
This rally reflects a growing sense that Britain’s major parties, Labour and Conservative, have lost public confidence. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, Labour has come under fire for its migration approach, even after official reports showed a decrease in legal entries.
However, the steady stream of small boats bringing over 28,000 asylum seekers this year has become the main focus of right-wing complaints, with many convinced Starmer’s government favours newcomers over citizens.
Some inside the Labour Party have said that Starmer’s tough talk on illegal migration echoes far-right arguments but fails to offer real solutions or address public fears. The criticism that Labour cannot protect British culture or safeguard the economy is growing.
The Conservatives have also seen their popularity drop steeply. After 14 years in charge before Labour’s most recent win, they face blame for the migration crisis and poor economic performance.
London Protesters Express Discontent
Andrew Bridgen, a former Tory MP and rally supporter who didn’t speak due to lack of time, often points to the Tories’ disconnect with voters. Their failure to keep earlier promises about migration and long periods of austerity have only made the frustration worse. Polls show only 17 percent of voters now back the Conservatives, a big fall from their past figures.
Many who came out to protest talked about low wages, crowded services, and high living costs. They expressed real anger that asylum seekers are being housed when British citizens face homelessness, long NHS waits, and job uncertainty. Rapid population shifts from immigration have sparked fresh worries about Britain’s future identity.
Meanwhile, anti-migrant and Islamophobic views have grown, encouraged by speakers like Robinson, who often tie immigration to crime and claim that some arrivals will not fit in. A YouGov survey in August 2024 found that 51 percent of British people said immigration was now the most pressing issue, ahead of the economy, while half believed multiculturalism harmed the country.
This wave of discontent has given a major boost to Reform UK, Nigel Farage’s party. Latest polling shows Reform UK leading with 30 percent support should an election be held soon, ahead of Labour’s 22 percent. Their tough stance on deportations and migration checks appeals to those who think the major parties ignore their concerns.
Calls for Mass Deportation
Farage has pushed for deporting 600,000 migrants and has voiced support for protests near asylum hotels, energizing people who feel overlooked. While Reform UK distances itself from Robinson and similar figures, the anti-migrant message at the rally matched much of their own, showing a growing overlap between groups unhappy with mainstream politics.
The anti-racist counter-protest, with Labour MPs Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott among the organizers, promoted welcome for refugees and stood firmly against the far right. Yet with only 5,000 attending compared to the massive nationalist rally, they face an uphill battle resisting the surge in nationalist feeling. Stand Up to Racism said some of their supporters were attacked, a reminder of the day’s tense atmosphere.
“Unite the Kingdom” became more than just another march. It revealed the cracks running through the country as it faces economic struggles and cultural change. The rally included a tribute to US activist Charlie Kirk, who was remembered with a moment of silence and a bagpiper’s version of “Amazing Grace,” tying the British movement to international right-wing causes.
As Britain goes through this unsettled period, the rally stands as a signal that public anger is both deep and widespread. The hardships of daily life, fears about identity, and a widespread loss of faith in those in power have created fertile ground for far-right groups.
Whether Labour or the Tories can regain trust, or whether Reform UK and outspoken campaigners like Robinson will continue to set the agenda, is still unknown. For now, London’s streets have shown that many are demanding answers and big changes.
