The demonstration was arranged by the high-profile right-wing extremist and activist Tommy Robinson, who has used the shooting of American Charlie Kirk to mobilize under the slogan "Unite the Kingdom" ("Unite the Kingdom").
The London police Met had 1,600 police officers on duty, of which 500 had been called in from other parts of the country. Several participants in the demonstration were arrested during the day, including for attacking police officers, and the authorities say that more have been identified and will be arrested.
At least 26 police officers were injured in connection with the demonstration, reports BBC.
TV footage from the scene showed a massive turnout of participants, who marched from Stamford Street south of Waterloo Bridge to Whitehall, where Downing Street is a cross street, among other things.
Smaller counter-demonstration
In the other end of Whitehall, a counter-demonstration gathered, which started from Russell Square, under the slogan "Stand up to racism" ("Stand up to racism"). According to the police, it gathered 5,000 participants, reports The Guardian.
At least two members of parliament participated in the counter-demonstration: Labour's Diane Abbott and Zarah Sultana, formerly Labour and since a while back a political independent.
A buffer zone that separates the demonstrations' final destinations was established by the police along Whitehall. During the afternoon, it was reported that participants in the right-wing extremist demonstration had tried to force the barricades and were pushed back with violence.
Musk: We don't have time
US President Donald Trump's former adviser Steve Bannon was expected to give a speech, as well as a representative from the German nationalist party AFD.
Also, the world's richest man, Tesla owner Elon Musk, participated via video link in a conversation with Tommy Robinson.
I really think you need to change the government in the UK. We don't have time for four more years, or however long it is until the next election. It's too long. Something needs to be done, he said.
The UK government has been led by Labour and Prime Minister Keir Starmer since 2024.
"Unite the Kingdom" is described by the organizers themselves as a freedom of speech event. According to Sky News, the slogans are mainly critical of the government and immigration.
