Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, told tens of thousands of supporters to prepare for the "battle of Britain" during a rally in London on Saturday. The event, the second annual "unite the kingdom" march, drew crowds to central London where Islamophobic and ethnonationalist hate speech and flyers were distributed.
Turnout and Police Estimates
Organisers claimed millions attended, but police estimated about 60,000 demonstrators, down from 150,000 at last September's march. The Metropolitan Police spent £4.5 million policing the event and a separate pro-Palestinian demonstration, deploying 4,000 officers, armoured vehicles, dogs, drones, and helicopters. As of 7:30pm, 43 arrests were made across both events, with the force noting they proceeded largely without significant incident.
Robinson's Call to Action
Robinson, founder of the anti-Islam English Defence League, told the crowd in Parliament Square that the rally was "a turning point for Britain." He urged supporters to move beyond street protest and get involved in local politics before the next general election, saying, "If we don't send a message in our next election... we are going to lose our country forever." He encouraged joining political parties like Reform, Advance, Restore, or the Conservatives, but did not endorse a specific party.
Christian Themes and Supporters
The protest had a significant Christian theme, with many carrying wooden crosses and chanting "Christ is king." Some wore red "make England great again" hats. Robinson led chants of support for Elon Musk, thanking him for his role.
Speakers and Messages
Siobhan Whyte, whose daughter Rhiannon was murdered by a Sudanese asylum seeker, criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer, saying he "failed my daughter." Polish politician Dominik Tarczyński, banned from entering the UK, addressed the crowd via video link. Former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins also sent a video message, praising the rally as making London "look like the place I remember."
Hate Speech and Flyers
Some demonstrators distributed flyers calling for "a future for white people," describing a "brotherhood of White Europeans." The campaign group Hope Not Hate said the movement's scale remains "deeply worrying," noting that attendance still dwarfs the English Defence League's past events and that hundreds of thousands watched online.
Government Response
Justice Secretary David Lammy condemned the march, saying it "spreads hatred and division." The group Led by Donkeys displayed a screen with the message "Immigration makes Britain brilliant." The government blocked 11 foreign nationals described as "far-right agitators" from entering the UK before the rally.
