London rocked by massive far-right rally and violent clashes
In London, one of the largest far-right rallies in decades has just taken place, drawing more than 110,000 people onto the streets. The event was organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, and was promoted as a “festival of free speech.” But by the time it ended, the day had been marked by racist conspiracy theories, inflammatory speeches, and violence.
Crowds began arriving early in the morning, waving Union Jacks and St. George’s flags as they poured into central London. Marchers made their way over Westminster Bridge and into Whitehall, where giant screens and a stage had been set up. The atmosphere was described as tense, with chants of “Tommy, Tommy” and “Whose street? Our street” echoing through the crowd.
Also Read:- Huskers Crush Houston Christian, Eye Big Ten Showdown
- Family Runs for Ex-Goalkeeper Russell Hoult in Cancer Battle
The rally attracted figures from abroad as well. French far-right politician Éric Zemmour addressed the audience, warning of what he called the “great replacement” of European people. Elon Musk even appeared via video link, speaking about what he described as the “erosion of Britain” and going as far as to call for the dissolution of the UK parliament. Their speeches were met with loud cheers and chants from the massed supporters.
But as the numbers swelled far beyond police expectations, the demonstration quickly spilled over into confrontation. The Metropolitan Police reported that bottles, flares, and other objects were thrown at officers. At least 25 people were arrested for offences ranging from violent disorder to criminal damage. The clashes left 26 police officers injured, four of them seriously, with injuries that included broken teeth and suspected concussions. Senior police officials later described the violence as “wholly unacceptable.”
The rally was not just about speeches. Stalls sold books co-authored by Robinson, and supporters held up placards accusing migrants of undermining British culture. At one point, performers on stage tore apart flags of Islamic organisations to cheers from the crowd. Robinson himself took to the stage declaring, “Britain has finally awoken,” insisting that the rights of migrants were being placed above those of British citizens. He played videos linking Muslim communities to crime, a tactic critics said was designed to stoke fear and division.
Not everyone in London welcomed the rally. About 5,000 counter-protesters, organised by trade unions and anti-fascist groups, marched separately under the banner of unity and opposition to hate. Politicians such as Diane Abbott addressed them, warning that Robinson’s allies represented forces hostile to women and equality. Their chants of “No fascists on our streets” were meant as a direct challenge to the far-right display.
By evening, the city had been left shaken. Whitehall had been overcrowded, streets had been closed, and violence had marred what was supposed to be a demonstration of free speech. While Robinson’s supporters claimed they were standing up for patriotism and democracy, the day revealed just how deeply divided Britain remains over questions of identity, immigration, and the future of the country.
Read More:
0 Comments