On Saturday, 16 May 2026, London witnessed two major protests occurring simultaneously, drawing thousands of participants. The Nakba 78 March for Palestine commemorated 78 years of the Nakba, while the far-right Unite the Kingdom rally, organized by Tommy Robinson, also took place in the city.
Pro-Palestine Demonstration
The Nakba 78 March for Palestine saw demonstrators gathering at Parliament Square and marching through central London. Protesters called for an end to UK support for Israel and voiced opposition to the Unite the Kingdom rally. Participants carried banners, posters, and flags, demanding justice for Palestinians. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now leading Your Party, was among those marching.
The protest also served as a counter-demonstration against the far-right rally. Some protesters held mock keys, symbolizing the right of return for Palestinian refugees. Police made at least one arrest in South Kensington as tensions rose.
Unite the Kingdom Rally
The Unite the Kingdom rally, called by far-right activist Tommy Robinson (also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), attracted supporters who gathered near the Winston Churchill statue and other locations. Robinson addressed the crowd, and participants waved flags and shouted slogans. The rally was met with counter-protests from the pro-Palestine marchers.
Police maintained a presence between the two groups to prevent direct clashes. Despite the heightened tensions, the day passed without major violent incidents, though several arrests were reported.
Police Response
Officers from the Metropolitan Police were deployed in large numbers to separate the opposing demonstrations. They arrested a protester in South Kensington during the pro-Palestine march. The police operation aimed to ensure public safety and minimize disruptions.
The simultaneous rallies highlighted the deep divisions in London over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the rise of far-right activism. Both groups have vowed to continue their campaigns, with further protests expected.
