At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured, including four with serious injuries, during the “Unite the Kingdom” protest led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The demonstration drew a crowd of between 110,000 and 150,000 people, surpassing organizers’ estimates. Officers reported facing physical and verbal abuse as demonstrators attempted to breach police cordons. A separate counterprotest organized by anti-racism campaigners attracted about 5,000 participants.
Both gatherings began peacefully but violence erupted later at the main protest. Tesla and X owner Elon Musk attended as a guest speaker. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned those who attacked police officers and stated: “Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”
Arrests were made for offenses such as affray, violent disorder, assaults, and criminal damage.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said that police encountered a “wholly unacceptable” level of violence. He added: “Officers went into today’s operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favor and approached engagement with all protesters positively.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.
“The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously – among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.”
He also indicated that further arrests are expected: “Our post-event investigation has already begun – we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.”
A stage was set up for speeches from far-right figures including Robinson himself as well as Elon Musk. During an interview with Robinson, Musk claimed Britain was being destroyed due to what he called “massive uncontrolled migration.” Other speakers included Laurence Fox; Katie Hopkins; Eric Zemmour; Morten Messerschmidt; Petr Bystron; Dominik Tarczynski; Filip Dewinter; and Ant Middleton.
Police noted that Robinson’s supporters outnumbered Whitehall’s capacity. Tensions rose when efforts were made to prevent them from surrounding counterprotesters or accessing certain areas by alternative routes. Some attendees left via Victoria Embankment amid growing crowds.
There were reports of projectiles thrown toward counterdemonstrators on Whitehall while police horses formed lines between opposing groups. One incident involved a glass bottle striking a horse.
Scuffles broke out as officers used batons to push back crowds near Trafalgar Square so counterprotesters could leave safely. Later in the day, helmeted riot police along with mounted units moved remaining Robinson supporters away from Trafalgar Square towards Embankment station.
The rally exceeded its permitted end time under the Public Order Act by continuing past 6 p.m., while the Stand Up to Racism event ended as scheduled at 4 p.m.
