Eleven foreign far-right activists have been blocked from entering the United Kingdom ahead of a rally organized by Tommy Robinson supporters, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused Robinson of “peddling hatred and division.” The rally, scheduled for Saturday, is the second of its kind after more than 100,000 people attended a similar event last year.
Live Facial Recognition Deployed
For the first time, live facial recognition technology will be used as part of a protest policing operation. Public Order Act conditions are being imposed on both a large pro-Palestinian march and the self-styled Unite the Kingdom event promoted by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Prime Minister's Response
Starmer, who met with senior police figures and officers involved in Saturday's operation, stated: “We are in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple.” He added, “We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.”
However, Downing Street clarified in a statement that Starmer “made clear he recognises that the majority expected to attend are law-abiding citizens, who want to protest peacefully, and urged everyone attending a protest to act with decency and respect.” The prime minister later appeared in a video on social media, describing the rally’s organisers as “convicted thugs and racists” and calling the event “a reminder of what we’re up against in the battle of our values.”
Expected Attendees and Speakers
A range of groups and figures from the British far right and Christian nationalism are expected to attend the event, which calls for a general election and marks a shift by Robinson toward encouraging his supporters to engage in political campaigning and voting. Speakers include Siobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon Whyte, a woman stabbed to death by an asylum seeker staying at the hotel where she worked.
Those banned from entering the UK include Valentina Gomez, a US-based anti-Islam influencer; Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch influencer; and Dominik Tarczyński, a Polish politician and MEP.
Concurrent Events and Counter-Demonstrations
The march coincides with large pro-Palestine events marking Nakba Day, the 78th anniversary of the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948. Participants will walk up the Strand, through Trafalgar Square, and finish in Parliament Square. Anti-racist counter-demonstrations are also taking place, while tens of thousands of football fans will be in London for the FA Cup final.
Faith Leaders Urge Hope
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, spoke out as communities across the UK engage in A Million Acts of Hope Week, a celebration of unity and diversity intended as a counter-event to Robinson’s rally. Mullally said: “When we watch the news or scroll through our phones it can feel as though our country is more divided than ever. But this is not the whole story. When I visit churches and communities, I see people serving one another and looking out for those in need. This gives me hope.”
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism UK, noted: “Every day we remember in our prayers that ‘acts of kindness are immeasurable’. I witness them constantly within my community, like taking food to families in mourning. I experience them between communities, like the solidarity of many Muslim and Christian colleagues during this spate of antisemitism.”
Policing and Government Action
Downing Street said Starmer was taking action to “protect British communities from vile hate” amid the bans on foreign activists. Visiting the Metropolitan Police’s command and control special operations room, the prime minister reiterated his commitment to peaceful protest while acting decisively against hatred. Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year for policing in London, with significant numbers attending the pro-Palestine protest and anti-fascist protesters organized by Stand Up to Racism.
