Supporters of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) have begun marching towards Marble Arch in central London after police blocked their planned rally in Whitechapel.
Protesters held a banner reading “Islamist invaders not welcome in Britain” and chanted “send them back” as they set off from the London Oratory in Kensington under a heavy police presence, with vans and motorbikes stationed nearby.
The Metropolitan Police said four counter-protesters who appeared along the route in breach of conditions had been arrested after refusing to leave.
Officers remain deployed along the march to prevent serious disorder and ensure the route remains clear.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Key Points
- UKIP leader Nick Tenconi marches alongside supporters in central London
- Counter-protest underway in Tower Hamlets
Police operation continues as protest draws to a close
16:33 , Megan HoweThe UKIP protest in central London is drawing to a close with speeches at Marble Arch.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 25, 2025
Officers intervened moments ago to remove a counter protester from the area as they were in breach of the conditions.
The policing operation continues. pic.twitter.com/HZzQCSsN9K
Protest in London drawing to a close, police say
16:11 , Megan HowePolice say the UKIP protest in central London is drawing to a close.
“The protest in Tower Hamlets has now largely dispersed,” a spokesperson for Met Police said.
“There have been no arrests so far.
“Officers remain in the area for reassurance and to deal with any incidents. Whitechapel Road has been reopened.”
UKIP protesters have started arriving at Marble Arch
15:28 , Megan HoweUnited Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) supporters have started arriving at Marble Arch after marching from Kensington.
Protesters chanted "save our nation, remigration" and "tell the nation, deportations" as they walked up Park Lane.
One protester shouted "this is a Christian land and it's going to stay like that", through a megaphone.
Ukip leader Nick Tenconi told protesters: "We want the illegals gone, we want the communists gone".
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In Pictures: UKIP march is well underway
14:56 , Megan HoweThe UKIP march is well underway in central London.
Leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nick Tenconi has been seen speaking to protesters via a megaphone, while they waved flags and held banners during the march.
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Pictured: Protest setting off from outside the London Oratory this morning
14:49 , Megan HoweThe protest organised by UKIP is about to set off from outside the London Oratory.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 25, 2025
Four counter protesters who appeared along the route in breach of the conditions in place and refused to leave have been arrested. pic.twitter.com/XrmMaGPdo3
Counter-protest underway in Tower Hamlets
14:47 , Megan HoweA counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism is underway in Tower Hamlets.
The UKIP protest was originally due to take place in the east London borough until Met Police intervened to prevent the march in the borough amid fears disorder would break out.
A spokesperson for Met Police said: “The protest in Tower Hamlets, organised by Stand Up To Racism and local groups, is well underway.
“There have been no incidents of note so far. Road closures are in place on Whitechapel Road, near the station.”
UKIP leader Nick Tenconi marches alongside supporters in central London
14:13 , Sami QuadriLIVE: Nick Tenconi UKIP march in London. 🇬🇧
— Human Dilemma (@HumanDilemma_) October 25, 2025
Live coverage: https://t.co/wiwOyLGtHo pic.twitter.com/SQE6DoCQbz
UKIP supporters gather in west London ahead of march
14:08 , Sami QuadriAround 75 United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) supporters have gathered in west London after being banned by police from protesting in an area of the capital with a large Muslim population.
The demonstrators, some of whom are carrying wooden crosses and England flags, gathered in front of the London Oratory, a Catholic church in Kensington, before setting off on a march towards Marble Arch.
Ukip supporters were blocked from holding their rally and march near Whitechapel Station in east London because of what the Metropolitan Police called a “realistic prospect of serious disorder”.
Met reminds UKIP supporters they are barred from assembling in Tower Hamlets
09:31 , Sami QuadriThe condition imposed earlier this week on the UKIP protest that had been due to take place in Whitechapel still applies. Those taking part in that protest must not assemble in Tower Hamlets.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 24, 2025
The map below shows where the condition applies. pic.twitter.com/yPzQDeIFwq
Met chief: Police ‘intervened’ to stop Whitechapel protest amid disorder fears
08:15 , Sami QuadriCommander Nick John, who is in charge of public order policing in London this weekend, said: “Our role in relation to the policing of protest is to ensure that they take place peacefully, that offences are dealt with, that they do not cause excessive disruption to the ordinary lives of local residents, visitors and businesses and to ensure that where there is a prospect of disorder we take action to prevent it.
“The risk of such disorder can be elevated if groups with clearly opposing views are allowed to gather in close proximity to each other, particularly if they do so in the heart of a residential area at a time when tensions and fears in relation to hate crime and similar offences are heightened.
“We intervened earlier this week to use our powers under the Public Order Act to prevent a protest taking place in Whitechapel due to the prospect of serious disorder.
“This was not a ‘ban’ as it has been described in some coverage and commentary, but a requirement for the protest to move if it was to go ahead.
“We have used the same power on many occasions over the past two years when policing demonstrations by various groups.”
Public Order Act conditions also ban members of the Ukip march from protesting before 1pm or after 4.30pm.
Mr John urged people planning to attend either protest to familiarise themselves with the conditions, warning that anyone breaching them, or encouraging others to do so, could be arrested.
