Tensions ran high in Central London as thousands of protesters gathered for opposing demonstrations, with one group marching in support of Tommy Robinson, while another rallied against racism.
The Met Police confirmed that six people were arrested amid clashes, including incidents involving flare usage, an officer being spat at, and protesters entering the Stand Up To Racism rally area in violation of conditions.
Supporters of Tommy Robinson, the far-right political activist, gathered outside Waterloo Station before marching towards Westminster.
The protest, organised under the banners “Stop the Isolation” and “Unite the Kingdom,” featured chants of “We want our country back” and “We want Tommy out.”
At the front of the march, demonstrators carried a banner calling for the release of political prisoners and for an end to the alleged “isolation” of the UK.
Many protesters waved flags reading “Free Tommy Robinson” and “Stop the Boats” while others wore “MEGA – Make England Great Again” hats and “I am Tommy” stickers. Some demonstrators even wore face masks featuring Robinson’s likeness, and several attendees livestreamed the event on their phones.
Simultaneously, anti-racism activists, organised by Stand Up To Racism, marched from St. James’s Street to Whitehall, passing through Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket before holding a rally at Trafalgar Square. Their protest was a response to the Robinson supporters and aimed to demonstrate against far-right ideologies and racism.
The Met Police deployed additional officers to keep the two groups separated and prevent further conflict.
However, the presence of both protests led to significant disruptions in Central London, particularly around key landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been a polarising figure in UK politics, known for his far-right activism and controversial stances on immigration and Islam. In October, Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in prison after breaching a High Court injunction related to his previous convictions.
His legal troubles have sparked ongoing protests, with supporters continuing to campaign for his release, as evidenced by the demonstration in Central London.
The protests caused disruptions across London, with police working to maintain order and ensure the safety of both demonstrators and the public.
Authorities arrested six individuals in relation to the protests, including one for spitting at an officer near Waterloo and four others involved in the breach of protest conditions in Whitehall.
