A static protest organised by Tommy Robinson, under the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ banner, is underway in central London.
Hundreds of Robinson supporters have gathered in Whitehall this afternoon, wearing Santa hats and donning Union Jacks, as they listen to Christmas music and extracts from the Bible.
It comes after Metropolitan Police announced an increased presence in central London ahead of the Unite the Kingdom protest and Stand Up to Racism counter-protest.
A march protesting digital ID also began at 2pm from Portland Place towards the north end of Whitehall.
A “Unite the Kingdom” protest, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, was previously held in September.
The Met said demonstrators at that protest tried to spill into cordoned-off areas and officers policing who moved into stop them were met with “unacceptable violence”.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Protest appears to pass peacefully
17:21 , Megan HowePolice suffered violence when Unite the Kingdom and Stand Up To Racism faced off at the same spot in Whitehall earlier this year.
But Saturday's protest has appeared to pass peacefully, with the two groups kept apart.
Hymn sheets were handed out to the crowd at Robinson’s rally and a woman walked around selling St George's flags and Santa hats.
Robinson told the event he used to "hate the church" but met a pastor in prison who taught him about the Bible.
Posting on X beforehand, Robinson said: "I want to remind everyone this is a religious celebration, this is not a political event.
"No face coverings, and no drinking please, as we have always done, let's self police, behave respectfully and let's make sure we honour our faith, our culture, and our heritage in the very best way we can."
A priest sitting among the crowd shouted that Jesus had been a migrant.
Commander Adam Slonecki, who was in charge of the policing operation, said: "Every weekend in London is busy but that is especially the case at this time of year when the transport network, shops and public spaces will see much higher footfall.
"In that context, it is particularly important that we ensure that where groups are exercising their lawful right to protest, we use the powers available to us to ensure those protests don't cause serious disruption to the many other people - Londoners and visitors alike - going about their lives.
"We have imposed a series of Public Order Act conditions setting out limits on locations and timings of the protests."
Tommy Robinson takes to the stage
16:49 , Megan HoweCrowds cheered as Tommy Robinson is invited to the stage to give the closing remarks for the Unite the Kingdom rally.
Supporters held candles as it grew dark in Whitehall this afternoon.
“In 15 years of activism, hundreds of demonstrations, hundreds of gatherings, this is the most beautiful moment I’ve had in my life as an activist,” Tommy Robinson said.
“Moments like this bring me closer to faith,” he added. “We’re here to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and everyone of us, including ourselves, need to ask what that means to us.”
Robinson thanked supporters for coming and wished the crowd a Merry Christmas.
He said a website would be launched to plan next year’s Christmas celebration, vowing to “fill Trafalgar Square”, with people travelling from across Europe to join in the celebrations.
In Pictures: Hundreds gather for Unite the Kingdom rally
15:57 , Megan HowePhotos show hundreds of people gathered in Whitehall for the Unite the Kingdom rally.
Tommy Robinson supporters have been seen wearing Santa hats and Christmas jumpers as they stand in the crowd listening to extracts from the Bible and Christmas carols.
Tommy Robinson is in attendance.
Tommy Robinson live streams the event
15:07 , Megan HoweThe carol concert led by Tommy Robinson is being live streamed by Tommy Robinson.
To watch the livestream, click the link below.
Carol concert led by Tommy Robinson is underway
14:57 , Megan HoweThe event, organised by the group Unite The Kingdom, is billed as “putting the Christ back into Christmas”.
Attendees were kept apart from a Stand Up To Racism counter protest on Whitehall by police and a line of barriers.
Officers faced violence when the two group faced off earlier this year.
A priest sitting among the crowd shouted that Jesus had been a migrant.“I’ve worked with lots of former offenders like Tommy Robinson,” she said, offering to speak to attendees about Christianity.
'No issues so far' as protests underway, police say
14:41 , Megan HoweA Stand up to Racism protest and a protest against Digital ID are taking place in central London this afternoon.
Police say there have been “no issues” so far.
A Unite the Kingdom rally is set to begin at 3pm.
The protest against digital ID and the Stand Up To Racism protest are both ongoing with no issues so far.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) December 13, 2025
The Unite the Kingdom protest is due to begin at 3pm. pic.twitter.com/MDdRkofYDv
Charity chief calls out Tommy Robinson at Stand Up To Racism counter-rally
13:38 , Sami QuadriCharlotte Khan from Care4Calais calling out #TommyRobinson & the far right for the hypocrisy of their event in London today.
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) December 13, 2025
Oppose their message of division & hate. #RefugeesAreNotToBlame pic.twitter.com/BrJ5SQXYwx
Tommy Robinson urges supporters to attend ‘Put Christ Back Into Christmas’ event
12:28 , Sami QuadriGood morning everyone,
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) December 13, 2025
Today is the day we put Christ back into Christmas!!!
Please come via Trafalgar Square side of Whitehall and meet us at the staging area which will be near Downing Street and the Women of World War Two memorial.
You can start gathering there from 1pm… pic.twitter.com/I35LVMY4J1
Met prepares for multiple protests in central London
12:09 , Sami QuadriPolice will flood central London today as multiple protests are set to bring disruption to a busy shopping weekend before Christmas.
A static protest organised under the banner of "Unite the Kingdom" is scheduled to take place at the north end of Whitehall from 3pm.
A counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will gather at the south end of Whitehall from 1pm.
A separate march opposing digital ID will set off from Portland Place at 2pm, proceeding along Regent Street, around Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and into the north end of Whitehall where a rally will take place.
Police impose protest limits in London amid busy Christmas period
12:06 , Sami QuadriCommander Adam Slonecki, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “Every weekend in London is busy but that is especially the case at this time of year when the transport network, shops and public spaces will see much higher footfall.
“In that context, it is particularly important that we ensure that where groups are exercising their lawful right to protest, we use the powers available to us to ensure those protests don’t cause serious disruption to the many other people – Londoners and visitors alike – going about their lives.
“We have imposed a series of Public Order Act conditions setting out limits on locations and timings of the protests. I’d urge anyone coming to participate to familiarise themselves with the details which are set out below.
“I’m grateful to the officers who will be deployed to keep the public and protesters safe, and to ensure any incidents or offences can be swiftly dealt with.”
