More than 110,000 people marched through central London on Saturday in a mass rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, with police deploying around 1,000 officers to manage tensions between rival demonstrations.
The event, branded by Robinson as the UK’s “biggest free speech festival”, began south of Westminster before crossing Westminster Bridge and concluding near Downing Street. Attendees — many waving Union Jacks, St George’s crosses, and Christian symbols — listened to speeches from far-right figures across Europe and North America.
“The silent majority will be silent no longer,” Robinson declared, calling the rally the spark of a “cultural revolution.”
Police used CCTV and helicopter footage to estimate turnout at around 110,000, while roughly 5,000 people joined a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism a mile away. Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott addressed the counter-rally, accusing Robinson of spreading “dangerous lies” about asylum seekers.
The demonstrations came amid surging anti-immigration sentiment in Britain, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party gaining ground in polls and anti-migrant protests targeting hotels housing asylum seekers.
Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has long pushed anti-Muslim and anti-migrant rhetoric alongside claims of government-led censorship. “Every day you’re stunned — people being arrested just for speaking about immigration or gender,” said one attendee, Philip Dodge, a retired baker from Sheffield.
Many participants voiced anger at record migration levels, with placards reading “Stop the boats” and slamming Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Some carried photos of American activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this week.
Notable figures expected to address the rally included French politician Eric Zemmour, Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, Germany’s Petr Bystron (AfD), and reports suggested former Trump adviser Steve Bannon would also speak.
The rally comes a year after anti-immigration riots erupted in UK cities, with Robinson accused of fuelling violence online. His influence, once thought to be in decline, has resurged since billionaire Elon Musk reinstated his X account in November 2023.
The government’s handling of free speech laws has also inflamed tensions. Critics point to the banning of Palestine Action, the arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters, and the recent detention of comedy writer Graham Linehan over alleged transphobic remarks. Police chief Mark Rowley has called for a rethink, saying officers should not be drawn into “toxic culture wars.”
Despite his criminal record, Robinson’s platform has grown significantly, with Saturday’s turnout highlighting the mainstreaming of far-right and anti-immigration politics in the UK.
About the author
Tinubu doing well across key sectors, says Gowon
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s performance, saying the administration is doing well across key sectors of national life.He spoke with State House correspondents after a private meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Gowon said his visit was to greet the President and thank him for the efforts being made to move the country forward.According to him, the government is working in political, economic and social areas, as well as in tackling security challenges. He acknowledged that Nigerians are facing difficulties but urged citizens to be patient and give the administration time for its reforms to yield fuller results.He added that it is too early to expect all problems to be solved, noting that major policy changes usually take time to reflect in people’s daily lives. Gowon encouraged Nigerians […]
Fuel price hike: Presidency faults Obi on strategic reserve proposal
The Presidency has rejected claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that Nigeria’s rising fuel prices are mainly due to a lack of strategic petroleum reserves.It said Obi’s comments oversimplify a complex problem and ignore the deeper structural challenges that have long affected the country’s energy sector. In a statement shared on social media, presidential aide Dada Olusegun argued that recent increases in petrol prices are largely driven by global market forces, not the absence of strategic reserves.He noted that many advanced economies with large reserves still experience price swings because reserves are not used simply to stop normal market movements. Olusegun stressed that Nigeria’s main problem lies in decades of low refining capacity, heavy dependence on imported petrol, and pressure on the foreign exchange market.He said these long term issues make the country highly vulnerable whenever international […]
National Museum names Dufuna canoe, Lugard Bridge top heritage sites
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments has listed the ancient Dufuna canoe and Lugard’s Footbridge as two of Nigeria’s most important heritage sites.The commission said both sites reflect key phases in Nigeria’s history, from prehistoric innovation to the colonial era. The Dufuna canoe, discovered in 1987 near the village of Dufuna in Yobe State, is regarded as the oldest known boat in Africa and the second oldest in the world.Radiocarbon dating places the canoe at about 8,000 years old, showing that advanced boat-making and fishing activities existed in the region thousands of years ago. According to the commission, the canoe offers rare insight into early human settlement, transport, and trade along the Komadugu Gana River and surrounding communities.It described the artefact as a national and global treasure that strengthens Nigeria’s place in discussions on world archaeology and early technology. […]
Gavi ready to play for Barcelona after injury
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Spanish midfielder Gavi is ready to return to action after spending several months out with a knee injury.The 21 year old has received medical clearance and could feature for the first time since August in Barcelona’s next league match at Camp Nou. Gavi suffered a serious injury to the medial meniscus in his right knee last year and later underwent surgery, which kept him on the sidelines for around five months.He has since completed a rehabilitation programme and recently rejoined full group training with the rest of the squad. Flick explained that the club’s medical staff now consider Gavi fit enough to be reintegrated into competitive games, even if he only plays limited minutes at first.The coach added that the final decision on how many minutes he will get depends on how the match goes […]
Ejuke back in Sevilla training ahead of Barcelona clash
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has returned to full training with Sevilla ahead of their La Liga clash with Barcelona.The Nigerian missed Wednesday’s session due to a minor ailment but was back with the squad on Thursday, easing fears over his fitness. Reports from Spain say Ejuke took part in team drills and tactical work, indicating he is available for selection for the trip to Camp Nou.His return is a big boost for manager Matías Almeyda, who has been dealing with several injuries in the squad. Defenders Kike Salas and Marcao, as well as forward Peque, are still sidelined, but other players carrying minor knocks have also resumed training.This has slightly improved Sevilla’s options as they prepare for a difficult visit to the La Liga leaders. Ejuke has contributed one goal and one assist for Sevilla this season, adding pace […]
Akor Adams ready and motivated to face Barcelona
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams says he is highly motivated and looking forward to facing Barcelona in Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga clash.The Nigerian forward believes the game is another chance to make history and prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Adams recently ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.He described the goal as a major confidence boost and said it has put him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Barcelona. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda confirmed that Adams is in good spirits and fully focused on the task ahead.According to the coach, the striker is working hard in training and understands how important the match is for Sevilla’s season. Adams has been an important player for Sevilla this campaign, […]
Related
Six US airmen die in Iraq KC-135 crash
The US military has confirmed the identities of six airmen killed when a KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on Thursday. The victims were: John Klinner, 33, from Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, from Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, from Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, from Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, from Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, also from Ohio. The first three served in the Air Force, while the latter three were part of the National Guard. The Pentagon confirmed that neither hostile action nor friendly fire caused the crash. The KC-135 was on a combat mission as part of ongoing US operations targeting Iran. A second aircraft involved in the mission landed safely. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the crew as “American heroes,” honoring their service. Officials suggested the crash may have resulted from a midair collision, though investigations are […]
Trump urges allies to secure Strait of Hormuz
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after Donald Trump called on several countries to deploy naval forces to secure the strategic shipping corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. The US president urged nations including United Kingdom, China, France, Japan, and South Korea to send warships to the region. According to him, a multinational naval presence would help guarantee the safety of commercial vessels navigating the route, which carries a significant portion of the world’s oil supply. In a message posted on the social platform Truth Social, Trump said many countries were expected to cooperate with the United States to ensure that the passage remains open. He warned that despite recent military operations against Iran, Tehran could still pose threats to ships through drones, mines, or short-range missile attacks. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of […]
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
I lost my father and wife, Iran’s new Supreme Leader vows revenge
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed revenge for the deaths of his relatives and other Iranians killed in recent strikes, saying Tehran will not back down from retaliatory actions. In his first public message since assuming office, Mojtaba said he lost his father, his wife, a sister and her child, as well as his other sister’s husband, in the air strikes that hit Iran late last month. He described the attacks as brutal crimes carried out by the United States and Israel and said they had deepened his resolve to pursue justice. The new leader also referred to a deadly strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran, which Iranian sources say killed around 160 to 170 schoolgirls on the first day of the war. He said Iran is “especially sensitive to the blood of our children” […]
Iranians face pressure as war tensions escalate
As tensions rise following escalating conflict involving Iran, mixed messages are being directed at the Iranian public about whether they should challenge their government. During the conflict, former US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to rise up and take control of their country, claiming the moment could represent a rare opportunity for political change. The call came after US military strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, further intensifying the crisis. However, inside Iran, authorities have issued stern warnings against any protests or public demonstrations. Ahmadreza Radan, Iran’s police chief, said security forces would treat anyone taking to the streets at what he described as the “enemy’s request” as an adversary of the state. He warned that police and security units were fully prepared to act against unrest, emphasizing that the country’s forces were ready to defend the Islamic […]
René Redzepi resigns from Noma amid abuse allegations
The world-renowned Danish restaurant Noma is facing a major shake-up as head chef René Redzepi has resigned amid allegations of abuse and toxic workplace behavior. Redzepi announced his departure on social media, stating that after more than 20 years of leading the restaurant, he is stepping aside to allow the leadership team to guide Noma into its next chapter. He also resigned from the board of MAD, a non-profit he founded in 2011 that supports newcomers to the restaurant industry. The resignation follows accusations from former employees, reported by several media outlets including the New York Times, who described a culture of verbal and physical abuse, intimidation, and a toxic work environment in the restaurant’s kitchen. Former staff, like Jason Ignacio White, publicly shared that they had witnessed widespread mistreatment during Redzepi’s tenure. Redzepi publicly acknowledged the allegations, apologizing on […]