Tens of Thousands Rally in London Amid Immigration Row

Members of the campaign group, Stand Up to Racism, demonstrate against a rally organised by the British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, September 13, 2025.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday in a rally organised by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, drawing a strong counter-demonstration from anti-racism groups.

By midday, crowds carrying the Union Jack and England’s St George’s Cross filled the streets south of the River Thames before heading towards Westminster. Some waved American and Israeli flags, while others wore MAGA hats and carried placards demanding tougher action on immigration.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, promoted the “Unite the Kingdom” march as a defence of free speech. He claimed hundreds of thousands had gathered and linked the rally to the recent killing of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Supporters chanted slogans against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with some declaring, “We believe in Tommy.” Robinson, who has multiple criminal convictions, remains a divisive figure, and Reform UK, Britain’s leading anti-immigrant political party, has kept its distance.

Police deployed more than 1,600 officers across London, including 500 drafted in from outside forces, to oversee both demonstrations. Commander Clair Haynes said the force would police “without fear or favour” but warned against offensive chanting or anti-Muslim rhetoric.

The rally comes amid rising political tensions over immigration, which has overtaken the economy as Britain’s most pressing issue. More than 28,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, sparking heated debate and street-level demonstrations.

Last weekend, nearly 900 people were arrested during a separate London protest against a ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action.