September 14, 2025

Hold your breath, London witnessed a fiery spectacle on Saturday! Tommy Robinson, the far-right firebrand whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, roused a gigantic crowd of about 110,000 for his "Unite the Kingdom" march. What started as a loud, colorful demonstration soon exploded into chaos as a small group of his supporters clashed violently with the police. Robinson’s loyalists belted out sharp chants targeting U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and praised slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with one protester holding a bold sign saying: “Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk.” But the mood darkened quickly when some at the protest’s edge threw bottles, punched, and kicked police officers trying to keep the peace. The Metropolitan Police had to call in reinforcements in helmets and riot shields to stand firm against the unrest. Nine people were arrested, yet officers warned that many more culprits were spotted and will face consequences. Police shared updates on the X platform saying, “We continue to see significant aggression directed at officers by ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protesters.” Earlier, the marches were calm, but by late afternoon, tantrums flared—items flew towards a rival “March Against Fascism” rally of 5,000 people, and efforts to break through police barricades made officers react with force. The massive crowd stretched impressively from Big Ben, across the River Thames, and near Waterloo station — almost a full kilometer of noisy, flag-waving marchers. The sea of people carried the St. George’s flag and the Union Jack, chanting passionately, “we want our country back.” Some even flashed signage saying “stop the boats,” “send them home,” and “enough is enough, save our children.” Across from them, counterprotesters waved signs like “refugees welcome” and shouted “stand up, fight back.” Who is Tommy Robinson? The man behind this thunderous march is no stranger to controversy. Known for his nationalist and anti-migrant views, he claims his rally defends British heritage and free speech. But his past is checkered—he was jailed for contempt of court last year and has previously served time for assault and mortgage fraud. He also founded the English Defence League, a nationalist group known for anti-Islamic views. As the march ended, an unsettling scene unfolded—a man with blood pouring from his face, escorted by police, was heckled by counterprotesters. The cause of his injury is still unclear. In the end, Saturday’s rally was a wild rollercoaster—part patriotic parade, part flashpoint for tension in a nation debating migration and identity. With storms of chants, colors, and clashes, London’s heart beat loudly and fiercely this weekend.

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Tags: Tommy robinson, Unite the kingdom march, London protest, Far-right, Police clash, Free speech,