Central London witnessed scenes of violence on Saturday as the “Unite The Kingdom” rally, organised by anti-migrant activist Tommy Robinson, spiraled out of control.
Estimated at 150,000 strong, the demonstration is believed to be the largest right-wing protest in modern British history, leaving 26 police officers injured and prompting 25 arrests.
Violence Against Officers
The Metropolitan Police described the event as “unacceptable,” reporting that officers faced kicks, punches, and projectiles including bottles and flares.
Some officers suffered serious injuries, such as broken teeth, possible broken noses, concussions, and even a prolapsed disc.
Police were forced to physically protect counter-protesters and prevent the crowd from breaching cordons.
Protesters and Counter-Protesters
The main rally, led by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, began near Stamford Street by Waterloo Bridge and marched toward the southern end of Whitehall.
Meanwhile, a counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) drew around 5,000 people to the opposite end of Whitehall.
As the numbers of Unite The Kingdom protesters exceeded expectations, crowds spilled onto Westminster Bridge and side streets, creating tense confrontations with police.
Police Response
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist praised the officers’ handling of the event, noting the difficult conditions and the determination of some attendees to engage in violence.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence,” he said.
Officers approached the situation with professionalism, but the scale of the disorder posed major challenges.
Arrests and Investigations
So far, 25 arrests have been made for offences including affray, violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage.
The Met confirmed that post-event investigations are underway to identify additional individuals involved in the violence, with robust legal action expected in the coming days and weeks.
Officer Gratitude
Assistant Commissioner Twist expressed gratitude to the police officers deployed across central London and the wider metropolitan area.
More than 500 colleagues from forces across England and Wales assisted in managing the chaotic scenes, helping to protect both protesters and the public during one of the most challenging demonstrations in recent years.