Tens of thousands gather for London anti-immigration march and counter-protest
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Protesters attend a rally organised by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, in London on Sept 13, 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Tens of thousands of protesters marched through central London on Sept 13, carrying flags of England and Britain, for a demonstration organised by the anti-immigrant and anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson.
Police have said they will have a huge presence in the British capital.
A “Stand Up to Racism” counter-protest was also due to meet nearby, following a highly charged summer in Britain that has seen protests over immigration and free speech.
By mid-day, tens of thousands of protesters were packed into streets south of the River Thames before they headed towards Westminster, seat of Parliament.
Demonstrators carried the Union flag of Britain and the red and white St George’s Cross of England, while others brought American and Israeli flags and wore the Maga hats of US President Donald Trump.
They chanted slogans critical of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and carried placards, including some saying “send them home”. Some attendees brought children.
Mr Robinson billed the Unite the Kingdom march as a celebration of free speech.
It was also expected to mourn Mr Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist shot dead on Sept 10
Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, describes himself as a journalist exposing state wrongdoing and counts billionaire Elon Musk among his supporters.
Britain’s biggest anti-immigrant political party, Reform UK, which has topped opinion polls in recent months, has kept its distance from Mr Robinson, who has several criminal convictions.
“We want our country back. We want our free speech back on track,” said Ms Sandra Mitchell, a supporter attending the rally.
“They need to stop illegal migration into this country,” she said. “We believe in Tommy.”
London's Metropolitan Police said more than 1,600 officers will be deployed across London on Sept 13, including 500 brought in from other forces, as in addition to the marches there are high-profile soccer fixtures including West Ham versus Tottenham, concerts and other events.
“We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur,” said Commander Clair Haynes, who is leading the policing operation.
On Sept 6, nearly 900 people were arrested
Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims and arrivals by migrants in small boats across the Channel, including more than 28,000 this year.
Facing mounting public criticism over immigration, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week appointed Shabana Mahmood as Britain's new interior minister in a shake-up of his government
