Mass Protest by the Far Right in the British Capital London

SadaNews - The British capital, London, witnessed a massive protest called by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, with participation estimates ranging from 110,000 to 150,000 people, according to police estimates.

Violent clashes erupted with security forces, resulting in 26 injured police officers, including four seriously wounded, as well as the arrest of 25 protesters on charges related to rioting, assault, and other crimes.

The Metropolitan Police stated that the confrontations began when some participants attempted to breach security barriers and enter areas where counter-demonstrations were taking place, attended by about 5,000 people under the banner of "Anti-Racism", with a significant presence of nearly 1,000 police officers to separate the two sides.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist confirmed that some protesters came to exercise their right to protest, but "many came determined to commit acts of violence", noting that officers faced physical and verbal abuses and direct attacks on the security barriers.

For her part, British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the attacks on police personnel, affirming that "anyone participating in criminal activities will face the full force of the law".

The protest saw the attendance of notable figures from the British and foreign far right, including Steve Bannon, former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, and French politician Eric Zemmour. Protesters raised British flags and called for freedom of expression, as well as the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while anti-immigration slogans dominated the scene.

Activist Tommy Robinson, known for his strong anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance, delivered a speech to the crowd, claiming that "the silent majority will no longer remain silent", describing the event as the beginning of a "cultural revolution".

Robinson had previously been convicted several times for various offenses, including public order offenses, and was imprisoned in 2024 for defaming a refugee.

The protest came amid renewed controversy over free speech issues, especially following arrests related to hate speech or supporting groups classified as "terrorist", including the "Movement for Palestine".

It is noteworthy that London witnessed a pro-Palestinian march in November 2023 that gathered around 300,000 people, while estimates confirm that Saturday's protest was one of the largest far-right gatherings in modern British history.