World News : Following mass protests in Nepal, a similar wave of unrest was witnessed in the UK, where over 120,000 people took to the streets of London on Saturday in what is being described as one of the largest far-right demonstrations in recent British history.
The protest, named the “Unite the Kingdom March,” was led by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), and saw large crowds waving Union Jacks, St George’s Cross flags, as well as American and Israeli flags. Many were seen wearing “Make America Great Again” caps and holding placards that read “Send them back.”
Clashes broke out between Robinson’s supporters and law enforcement, with multiple reports of assaults on police officers. Counter-demonstrations were organized by Stand Up to Racism, drawing around 5,000 people to advocate for tolerance and inclusivity.
Metropolitan Police Commander Claire Hens stated, “We are handling this protest as we would any other, without bias. Legal rights will be protected, but disorder will not be tolerated.” She acknowledged previous incidents involving anti-Muslim slogans but reassured the city’s diverse communities that they have no reason to remain indoors out of fear.
Police faced repeated challenges as some protesters attempted to breach security cordons and enter restricted areas. Several officers were reportedly injured, prompting the deployment of additional reinforcements, including mounted units.
The protest coincided with several major football matches and concerts in London, pushing authorities to deploy over 1,600 officers, including 500 from outside the capital.
Tommy Robinson described the march as a celebration of freedom of speech and paid tribute to recently deceased American right-wing figure Charlie Kirk. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Hundreds of thousands have united today on the streets of London, standing for freedom.”
While Robinson brands himself a journalist and whistleblower, many mainstream political entities like Reform UK maintain distance due to his criminal record. However, he continues to draw support from prominent figures, including Elon Musk.
One participant, Sandra Mitchell, said, “We want our country back. We want our freedom and right to speak back. Illegal immigration must be stopped. We trust Tommy.”
