London witnessed one of its largest right-wing demonstrations in recent memory on saturday, september 13, 2025, as over 100,000 people participated in an anti-immigration protest through the city center. The "Unite the Kingdom" rally, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, culminated in scuffles with police and highlighted deepening socio-political divisions within the United Kingdom.
The massive crowd marched with a stated focus on opposing illegal migration and advocating for free speech. Protesters were seen carrying British, English, American, and Israeli flags, with some wearing "Make America Great Again" hats. Criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government was a prominent theme among attendees. The demonstration also featured speeches from high-profile figures, including French politician Éric Zemmour and a remote video appearance by Elon Musk, who both criticized current immigration policies.
The Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,600 officers to manage the event. Despite efforts to maintain order, multiple confrontations broke out as some protesters attempted to breach police lines, leading to assaults on officers and at least nine arrests. A concurrent counter-protest organized by the group Stand Up to Racism drew approximately 5,000 participants. Police had set specific end times for both demonstrations to mitigate potential for sustained conflict.
This protest is the latest and most significant in a series of demonstrations reflecting growing anti-immigration sentiment across Britain. The political climate has been heavily influenced by the rising popularity of the far-right, anti-immigration Reform UK party. Recent polling suggests the party could potentially become the UK's largest political force if a general election were held now, indicating a substantial shift in the electorate.
The tensions are exacerbated by what analysts describe as misinformation, leading to increased hostility and marginalization of immigrant communities, particularly Muslims. Robinson has a documented record of making anti-Muslim statements, and his leadership of the rally raised concerns about the rhetoric being promoted. Experts warn that these trends are straining social cohesion in the UK.
The ongoing protests and the surge in support for anti-immigration platforms are occurring as the UK grapples with a significant number of migrant arrivals, with over 28,000 having crossed the channel in small boats so far in 2025. In response to public pressure over border control, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government recently announced a plan to cease using hotels and instead house asylum seekers in barracks on former military bases. The scale of saturday's protest, however, suggests that government actions have yet to quell the potent public anger over immigration.