Far-right march in London underscores surge in Islamophobia and anti-immigrant racism
Tens of thousands of far-right demonstrators flooded London in what analysts say may have been the largest mobilisation of its kind
LONDON (MNTV) — Tens of thousands of far-right demonstrators flooded central London on Saturday in what analysts say may have been the largest mobilisation of its kind in Britain’s modern history, underscoring a sharp rise in hostility toward Muslims and migrants.
Police estimated that between 110,000 and 150,000 people joined the “Unite the Kingdom” rally, led by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — known as Tommy Robinson — a figure long associated with anti-Islam campaigns.
Waving Union Jacks and St George’s flags, participants marched from Hyde Park Corner through Whitehall, chanting against immigration and calling to “stop the boats.” Some carried placards depicting refugees as invaders.
The protest followed months of smaller demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers and came amid a climate of escalating Islamophobia across Europe, where far-right parties have gained ground.
In Britain, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has risen sharply in opinion polls by targeting immigration and echoing the “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory.
The London rally also reflected tensions over Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. Speakers repeatedly linked their agenda to the conflict, accusing supporters of Palestinian rights of “importing extremism.”
Several mourned US activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead in Florida days earlier. Police in the United States have said they are still investigating his death.
Across from the march, about 5,000 anti-racism demonstrators rallied under banners reading “Refugees welcome” and “Smash the far right.”
The two groups were kept apart by more than 1,600 police officers, who reported “unacceptable violence” from sections of the far-right crowd.
Twenty-six officers were injured, four seriously, and at least 24 people were arrested.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the intimidation and violence, stressing that Britain’s flag “represents our diverse country” and should not be “surrendered to those who use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”
Hope Not Hate, a U.K. anti-extremism group, described Saturday’s rally as the biggest far-right gathering in recent memory — though still far smaller than recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London, which have drawn hundreds of thousands calling for an end to Israel’s atrocities in Gaza.
Analysts warned that the scale of the turnout highlights how anti-Muslim rhetoric and anti-refugee sentiment are feeding into a broader far-right resurgence, echoing trends seen in Germany, France and elsewhere across Europe.
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