At least 26 police officers were injured as they faced “significant aggression” from protesters at a “freedom of speech festival” led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, Scotland Yard said.
There had been 25 arrests at the “Unite the Kingdom” protest for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage at 7.30pm on Saturday, the force explained.
More than a hundred helmeted officers backed up by dozens of police horses rushed at the last of Robinson’s supporters after between 110,000 and 150,000 people took part in the march.
Police horses sped through Whitehall at around 5.45pm on Saturday, while some protesters faced them carrying flags, as the event came to a close.
Scotland Yard had previously warned there had been “unacceptable violence” at the rally as flares and bottles were thrown at officers.
Footage shared by the Met Police on X shows officers with riot shields pushing demonstrators back as they tried to enter a “sterile area” which had been created to keep protesters and around 5,000 counter-protesters from Stand Up to Racism apart.
Around 1,000 officers have been deployed to police the demonstrations. Hundreds of reinforcement officers from across the UK were called in to support a huge policing operation across the capital.
The mass march has attracted international attention, with the world’s richest man Elon Musk appearing on a video link to address the crowds.
The Tesla founder said that there was something “beautiful” about being British and said “the left is the party of murder”, referencing the death of Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead in front of an audience at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Key Points
- The Met Police confirmed that 26 officers were injured during the protest and that at least 25 arrests have been made by 7.30pm on Saturday
- Police officers with riot shields clash with demonstrators who tried to breach 'sterile area' between two protest groups
- Scotland Yard later warned it was seeing 'significant aggression,' explaining extra officers and police horses had been brought in
- Central London became a sea of protesters, with police warning Bridge Street, Parliament Street and Whitehall were all at capacity
Live coverage has ended
22:02 , Jacob PhillipsThe Standard’s live coverage has ended.
You can read our full report into Saturday’s Unite the Kingdom protest below.
Tommy Robinson supporters hurl bottles at police as up to 150,000 join protest
Violence 'wholly unacceptable' says Met Assistant Commissioner
21:16 , Jacob PhillipsAssistant Commissioner Matt Twist has explained that four police officers were seriously injured during the protest.
He said: “Officers went into today’s operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging.
“They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.
“The violence they faced was wholly unacceptable. 26 officers were injured, including four seriously – among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury.
“The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start. Our post-event investigation has already begun – we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.
“I am hugely grateful to the officers who were deployed in central London today, to those on duty in all 32 boroughs responding to 999 calls and to the more than 500 colleagues from forces across England and Wales who stood alongside us in some very challenging circumstances.”
Arrests as 26 officers in injured during mass rally
21:09 , Jacob PhillipsScotland Yard has revealed that 26 officers were injured during a “very challenging day” policing the protests in Westminster.
The force said it was “deeply regrettable” that some members of the Unite the Kingdom protest became involved in disorder at several locations.
It added that there had been around 110,000 to 150,000 people attending the protest, “significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers”.
There was not enough space for all the protesters in Whitehall and Parliament Square, meaning crowds backed up onto Bridge Street and Westminster Bridge.
The met said a number of people turned off onto Victoria Embankment to get out of the crowds, which was understandable.
But large crowds had ignored police directions and turned left up Horse Guards Avenue, Whitehall Place, Northumberland Avenue and Craven Street in an effort to get into Whitehall.
This included into “sterile areas” between Unite the Kingdom and Stand Up To Racism protesters as well as areas occupied by the counter-protesters.
The force said when officers blocked their path they were met with kicks and punches, while bottles and flares were thrown at them.
In a statement the Met Police said: “Officers had to put on full protective equipment and in a number of places had to use shields.
“Horses and dogs were also used to keep the Unite the Kingdom protesters away from opposing groups.
“In addition to the violence directed at officers, we saw people scale fencing and scaffolding around Whitehall, climbing to height putting themselves and others in danger.”
As of 7.30pm there had been 25 arrests for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.
Sir Sadiq Khan calls attacks on officers 'completely unacceptable'
20:44 , Jacob PhillipsSir Sadiq Khan has said the violence against police officers at today’s rally was “completely unacceptable”.
In a post on X he wrote: “My thanks go to all the officers policing protests today.
“Most protestors were peaceful, but a number of officers were assaulted and arrests have been made.
“Violence and attacking police officers is completely unacceptable.”
Home Secretary condemns protesters who attacked police
19:48 , Jacob PhillipsThe Home Secretary has condemned protesters who have attacked and injured police officers at the “freedom of speech festival” led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Shabana Mahmood posted on X: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of today’s protest was peaceful.
“But I condemn those who have attacked and injured police officers. Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”
The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. I thank the police who worked hard to ensure much of today's protest was peaceful. But I condemn those who have attacked and injured police officers. Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of…
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) September 13, 2025
Sir Ed Davey criticises Elon Musk
19:24 , Jacob PhillipsLib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey criticised Elon Musk for his comments at a “freedom of speech festival” led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Sir Ed posted on X: “Our democracy is too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons.
“Elon Musk doesn’t care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.”
Our democracy is too precious to be a plaything for foreign tech barons.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) September 13, 2025
Elon Musk doesn’t care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.
Recap: Elon Musk calls for change of UK Government at Tommy Robinson rally
19:09 , Jacob PhillipsElon Musk called for a change of Government in the UK and railed against the “woke mind virus” as he spoke at Tommy Robinson’s rally in London.
The X owner claimed a “dissolution of Parliament” is needed and said “massive uncontrolled migration” was contributing to the “destruction of Britain” in comments via video link.
He also told the crowd that “violence is coming” and that “you either fight back or you die”.
You can read more about what Musk said in the story below.
Elon Musk calls for change of UK Government at Tommy Robinson rally
Indie band James 'examining options' after Tommy Robinson used hit Sit Down
18:55 , Jacob PhillipsThe singer of indie band James says the group is examining their options after their smash hit Sit Down was used in a video posted by Tommy Robinson, highlighting the size of the protest.
Tim Booth wrote on X: “Disgusted to see the cynical use of ‘Sit Down’ by @TRobinsonNewEra
“No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.
“The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it’s the antithesis of this organisation.”
Disgusted to see the cynical use of ‘Sit Down’by @TRobinsonNewEra.
— Tim Booth (@RealTimBooth) September 13, 2025
No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.
The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it’s the antithesis of this organization
Tommy Robinson promises another event as stage closes
18:54 , Jacob PhillipsTommy Robinson brought the stage events to a close at just after 6.30pm by promising another such event.
Apologising to several people who did not have time to speak, including former MP Tory Andrew Bridgen, he said: “We’re going to have to come back and finish this off.”
Speeches and music at a stage in Whitehall were due to be cut off at 6pm.
Away from that crowd, a line of officers stood beneath a tunnel outside Embankment station, while men wearing St George’s flags shouted “wankers” and spat down at them from one of the Golden Jubilee footbridges at around 6pm.
One man heckled through a megaphone and others could be heard shouting “wankers” at the police line below.
The officers on foot were supported by at least seven police vans and were not allowing people through the road or to the station.
Met Police clear path for counter protesters to leave the area
18:42 , Jacob PhillipsThe Unite the Kingdom protest has been moved out of Whitehall to allow counter-protesters to leave the area.
There were angry scenes as the remaining protesters from the rally lined up outside Trafalgar Square and confronted the Stand Up to Racism demonstrators as they left.
Protesters could be heard shouting “scum” and booing as the counter demonstrators made their way past.
Footage shared by the Met Police shows the counter protesters making their way up to Trafalgar Square past a small group of Tommy Robinson supporters.
The force explained that they had created a safe route for the Stand Up To Racism protesters to leave Whitehall and that the northern end of Whitehall is now empty.
Officers have cleared the group of Unite the Kingdom protesters who had blocked the north end of Whitehall, creating a safe route for the Stand Up To Racism protesters to leave Whitehall.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2025
The northern end of Whitehall is now empty. pic.twitter.com/4XbOcCcBIb
More than 100 officers supported by police horses rush protesters
17:56 , Jacob PhillipsMore than a hundred helmeted officers on foot, backed up by dozens of police horses, have rushed at Tommy Robinson supporters – backing them along Northumberland Avenue and towards Embankment station.
The horses moved at speed down the road at around 5.45pm.
Some protesters – now largely dispersed – faced them carrying flags.
Scuffles break out between police and Tommy Robinson supporters
17:42 , Jacob PhillipsFurther scuffles have broken out between police and Tommy Robinson supporters as they moved the group out of Whitehall.
Objects including a traffic cone, bottles and pieces of wood were thrown at the line of officers as they started to push the group back towards Trafalgar Square and Northumberland Avenue at around 5.25pm.
Moments earlier a man shouted “this is what England has become” as he was handcuffed with his head pressed against the road at the front of the crowd.
Officers rushed him to the side of Whitehall, where he was detained and then walked, bent double, to a police van.
Police officers on horseback were also seen moving the crowd back.
Pictures reveal tense mass protest
17:37 , Jacob PhillipsPictures from today’s protest show Westminster packed with demonstrators waving Union Jacks and holding flares.
Protesters were also seen holding flags up and chanting on Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.
But there have been tense moments during the day. At one stage a man was seen being tended to by police for a head wound.
'The left are the party of murder' claims Elon Musk
17:28 , Jacob PhillipsElon Musk appeared via video at Tommy Robinson’s rally in the centre of London this afternoon and told the crowd “the left are the party of murder”.
He said that there was something “beautiful” about being British and said “the left is the party of murder” referencing the death of Charlie Kirk.
The owner of X said: “There’s so much violence on the left, with our friend Charlie Kirk getting murdered in cold blood this week and people on the left celebrating it openly.
“The left is the party of murder and celebrating murder. I mean, let that sink in for a minute, that’s who we’re dealing with here.”
He said that the British public are “scared to exercise their free speech” and claimed the BBC was “complicit in the destruction of Britain”.
Elon Musk speaks via video link to protesters
17:23 , Jacob PhillipsElon Musk has just been speaking to protesters gathered in central London via a video link.
Addressing the crowd at the demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson, Musk said: “I think there’s something beautiful about being British and what I see happening here is a destruction of Britain, initially a slow erosion but rapidly increasing erosion of Britain with massive uncontrolled migration.
“A failure by the government to protect innocent people including children who are getting gang-raped.
“It’s unreal the government has failed in its duty to protect its citizens which is a fundamental duty of government.”
The world’s richest man and Tesla founder continued: “There’s this genuine risk of rape and murder and the destruction of the country and the dissolution of the entire way of life.
“If you weren’t under a massive attack then people should go about their business and live their lives but unfortunately if the fight comes to you, you don’t have a choice.”
Nine arrests at protest so far, Met Police say
17:16 , Jacob PhillipsIn a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “The turnout for the “Unite the Kingdom” protest was too big to fit into Whitehall.
“Protesters left the route onto Victoria Embankment and sought to access Whitehall from multiple directions as shown on the map below.
“When officers moved in to stop them they faced unacceptable violence. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown.
“Nine arrests have been made so far for various offences, but many more people have been identified as committing offences. We will find them and they will face police action, even if it is not possible to do so today.
“Officers are continuing to face aggression in multiple locations, in particular at the north of Whitehall as they work to create a safe exit route for those who have been taking part in the Stand Up To Racism protest.”
Tensions rise at Unite the Kingdom rally
17:13 , Jacob PhillipsTensions have risen at Tommy Robinson's Unite The Kingdom rally as protesters angrily confronted scores of police kitted out in riot gear at Whitehall.
Counter demonstrators, some waving Palestine flags, have appeared on Parliament Street, forcing police to push back the main protest towards Trafalgar Square.
Several protesters with Union Jacks draped over their shoulders in Whitehall were shouting and pointing at police officers, asking “Why are you here?” rather than policing the counter protest in Parliament Street
Trafalgar Square remains largely peaceful, with some demonstrators, many of them women and older participants, sitting by the fountain.
Others have mounted Nelson's Column, swilling beer while waving Union Jack and England flags.
A speaker is playing Italian singer Gala's song Freed From Desire, which revellers on the column are chanting and dancing along to.
Many protesters have sheltered from the rain in nearby pubs and were seen packing away their flags and banners before entering.
Police help a man who has suffered a head wound near Whitehall
17:00 , Jacob PhillipsPolice have been seen tending a man with blood pouring from a head wound at the top of Whitehall as tensions rise at the protest.
Photographs from the PA news agency captured the incident near where Whitehall meets Trafalgar Square.
Blood was also seen on the floor nearby.
Recap: Met Police shares footage of officers clashing with protesters
16:56 , Jacob PhillipsEarlier this afternoon, the Met Police shared footage of officers clashing with protesters.
In one clip officers can be seen holding riot shields and forming a line to keep the demonstrators out of a “sterile area” between protest groups.
In another clip officers can be seen forming a line and pushing protesters back near a police van.
You can watch the footage back in the clip below.
Police officers facing 'significant aggression,' Scotland Yard says
16:42 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police has said it is seeing “significant aggression” from Unite the Kingdom protesters towards its officers.
Officers in protective equipment and police horses have been deployed to help deal with the disorder, the force explained.
We continue to see significant aggression directed at officers by Unite the Kingdom protesters.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2025
We have deployed additional officers with protective equipment in multiple locations, supported by police horses, to deal with the disorder. pic.twitter.com/Fh26Hx5cDb
Latest pictures capture scale of protests
16:39 , Jacob PhillipsPictures taken by photographers at the protest have captured the scale of the demonstration, as the rally heats up.
The Met Police has warned that officers were assaulted as they stopped Unite the Kingdom demonstrators from accessing ‘sterile areas’ between protesters and counter-protesters.
'We should be looking after our own country' protester tells the Standard
16:26 , Jacob PhillipsSeveral protesters have spoken to the Standard about why they came into central London today.
London tour guide Magnus Neilson was among the protesters who gathered in central London on Saturday.
He said: "The reason I'm here is to support Tommy Robinson, and to let him know that really, there are plenty of other people up and down the country who support what he's doing and the only way to do that is to come out."
Mr Neilson baulked at suggestions Tommy Robinson is far right. He said: "Far right? What is that? Far right is anybody who doesn't support the Labour Party. It doesn't tell you what people actually believe."
Another protester, who did not wish to be named, came from Hampshire with his Union Jack banner.
He said a desire for "unity for the country" brought him to the demonstration.
He said: "There is a need for the country to come together. There is a lack of political understanding of what the country needs.
"I think we should all come together to express the feeling that we should be looking after our own country."
Man detained near Scotland Yard
16:11 , Jacob PhillipsMetropolitan Police officers have detained a man near Scotland Yard’s headquarters.
The man, who was wearing a black blazer and had a Union flag wrapped around his waist, was escorted by several officers away from Whitehall Gardens on Victoria Embankment and down Horse Guards Avenue.
Diane Abbott: 'Tommy Robinson's allies are some of the most anti-woman forces in society'
16:06 , Jacob PhillipsTurning our attention away from the Unite the Kingdom protest, Independent MP Diane Abbott has told a crowd of anti-fascist protesters that Tommy Robinson’s allies “are some of the most anti-women forces in society”.
She said: “They are trying to drag women into their project, they are claiming that they are protecting women, but they are some of the most anti-women forces in society – they oppose equal pay, they oppose action against discrimination, they belittle sexual harassment as banter.
“So we are here to stand together, we are here to fight, and we are here in the certainty that we will defeat the fascists.”
The march shows “fascists cannot walk the streets of London unopposed”, she told the crowd from the stage on Whitehall.
“We know racism and violence and fascism is not new”, she said, adding: “But you know what? We have always defeated that racism and violence.”
Met Police says officers have been assaulted in central London
16:00 , Jacob PhillipsThe Metropolitan Police said officers have been assaulted in central London as it shared more footage of clashes with protesters.
The force said protesters from the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstrations have been trying to enter“sterile areas” between them and counter-protesters, causing officers to intervene.
Footage shared on X shows officers pushing a number of protesters away.
The force said: “Officers are having to intervene in multiple locations to stop Unite the Kingdom protesters trying to access sterile areas, breach police cordons or get to opposing groups.
“A number of officers have been assaulted.”
Officers are having to intervene in multiple locations to stop Unite the Kingdom protesters trying to access sterile areas, breach police cordons or get to opposing groups.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2025
A number of officers have been assaulted. pic.twitter.com/QcQ5EyN2Pw
Londoner left scared as protesters 'egged her home'
15:49 , Jacob PhillipsA woman, who lives near where the Unite the Kingdom protest started, said she was left feeling “genuinely scared – not just for my immediate safety as I couldn’t leave my flat, but for the state of politics in our country”.
The Londoner, who did not want to be named, watched the demonstration from her flat window and was repeatedly heckled by a man who shouted “get your tits out” at her.
In response, a friend shouted: “How dare you hold signs saying protect our women and girls and say disgusting stuff like that”, which was met with eggs being pummelled at their flat window.
The Londoner told the Standard that a mass of demonstrators arrived near their home at 9am, filling the streets by 10am.
She said she could not leave her house until crowds dispersed at around 1pm.
Katie Hopkins and Tommy Robinson address protesters
15:45 , Jacob PhillipsTommy Robinson and Katie Hopkins have been making speeches in the heart of London.
Mr Robinson claimed that the UK courts found the rights of undocumented migrants supersede those of the “local community”.
He said: “Last week, they took Epping community to court and they said in court that the rights of migrants, undocumented migrants that we know nothing about, supersede the rights of the local community.
“They told the world that Somalians, Afghanis, Pakistanis, all of them, their rights supersede yours – The British public, the people that built this nation.”
He was referring to a Court of Appeal decision to overturn an injunction blocking asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Robinson was struggling with his voice which sounded hoarse and he was heard mentioning his throat.
Meanwhile Hopkins who described herself as the “biggest bitch in Britain”, told the protesters that they will “get freedoms back for our kids and grandchildren”.
She told the crowd: “When it comes to race and colour, we don’t care what colour you are, we don’t care where you come from, but if you want to come to this fine country, you better come here, you better work hard, you better fit in, you better love our flag because if you don’t want to fit in, then you can f*** off.”
Protesters and counter protesters stare each other down in Whitehall
15:38 , Jacob PhillipsTommy Robinson supporters and Stand Up to Racism protesters have stared each other down at separate demonstrations in Whitehall.
The two groups were divided by a line of police officers on Whitehall Place, one side waving placards that said “refugees welcome. Stop the far right” and the other flying Union and St George’s flags.
Anti-fascist protesters shouted “Tommy Robinson’s a wanker” and “whose streets, our streets”.
A speaker said the Tommy Robinson protest was “so boring, they’ve come round to listen to us.”
Central London cordoned off due to protest numbers
15:25 , Jacob PhillipsIn a further update, the Met Police has warned that the Unite the Kingdom protest has become so busy that it is no longer possible for people to get into several streets in Westminster.
Bridge Street, Parliament Street and Whitehall are all full of protesters.
The police have also shared photos which show dozens of Union Jack and St George’s flags being held above a sea of demonstrators next to the Houses of Parliament.
The force has said it is working with the protest organisers to provide exit routes for the crowds and has asked people to remain calm.
There was a very large turnout for the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest. It is not possible for any more people to get into Bridge Street, Parliament Street or Whitehall.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2025
We’re working with organisers to provide exit routes for the crowds. We’d ask people to follow the organisers’… pic.twitter.com/TIT9D8pXEN
Police with riot shields clash with protesters
15:17 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police has shared footage of clashes breaking out between officers and “Unite the Kingdom” protesters.
The footage shared on X shows officers with riot shields pushing demonstrators back as they tried to enter a “sterile area” which had been created to keep protesters and counter-protesters apart.
The Met Police explained that officers were attacked with projectiles and had to use force to avoid their cordon being breached.
A crowd of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protesters attempted to enter the sterile area on Whitehall that is place to keep the two protests apart.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2025
Officers were attacked with projectiles and have had to use force to avoid their cordon being breached. pic.twitter.com/iAMuTOI1JD
Tommy Robinson asks protesters who are stuck far from stage to remain calm
15:06 , Jacob PhillipsTommy Robinson has urged his followers to remain calm if they are unable to get close to the stage and hear speeches being made at the demonstration.
Taking to X, he wrote: “We understand people's frustrations at not being able to get near the stage or the PA system.
“We are asking all of you, everyone who is understandably frustrated, to please remain calm and peaceful.
“Let’s keep things safe and civil.”
Traditional Haka dance performed for protesters at 'free speech festival'
14:59 , Jacob PhillipsA group of bare-chested members of the Destiny Church in New Zealand performed a traditional Haka dance for the protesters which was followed by a song with the lyrics “Making the west look like the Middle East”.
Leader Brian Tamaki told the crowds that “Christian ethics” had been “traded for secular humanism” which he said was “Satan’s tool”.
Speaking at the protest, dubbed by Robinson as the “UK’s largest free speech festival”, he added: “We’ve got to clean our countries up, we’ve got to get everything out that does not know or perceive Jesus Christ.
“Ban any type of public expression in our Christian nations from other religions.”
‘Throw the Nazis in the sea’: chants ring out as rain pours on Strand anti-racism marchers
14:33 , Sami QuadriThe heavens opened as Stand Up to Racism protesters marched along on the Strand, nearing Whitehall.
Rain-soaked protesters, led by a group of women in hi-vis who had linked arms, shouted: “Let in every refugee, throw the Nazis in the sea.”
“Tell me what community looks like, this is what community looks like”, they chanted.
Met Police estimate 110,000 at Tommy Robinson rally and 5,000 at counter-protest
14:24 , Sami QuadriThe Metropolitan Police estimated that the number of people at the “Unite the Kingdom” rally was around 110,000.
It put the number at the counter “Stand Up To Racism” demonstration at around 5,000.
A force spokesman said estimates were difficult but that it used CCTV and police helicopter footage to calculate the figures.
And they conceded that there would be differences between their estimates and that of the organisers.
Labour has been ‘trying to out-racist the racists’, Stand Up to Racism co-convener tells rally
14:12 , Sami QuadriThe Labour Government has been “trying to out-racist the racists all summer”, the co-convener of Stand Up to Racism said as she opened the rally speeches at Russell Square.
Sabby Dhalu thanked the “very happy” and “militant” crowd of hundreds, before telling them: “We’ve got to acknowledge that the events over the summer – all of the far-right protests, all of the far-right uniting behind this toxic narrative, and Reform UK and Nigel Farage, along with Tory politicians like Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman encouraging the protesters, attending the protests in various parts of the country – has meant that we are going to see a very big Tommy Robinson demonstration today.”
She added: “Sadly that narrative has been conceded to by the Labour Government who have been trying to out-racist the racists all summer, which has just fed this toxic narrative and hatred and racism towards refugees.”
Ms Dhalu was followed by author, historian and child sexual abuse survivor Louise Raw – the founder of Survivors Against Fascism – who claimed some far-right protesters who have spoken out against sex attacks were offenders themselves.
“We know the far-right do not stand with survivors, they create survivors”, she said, adding: “Tommy Robinson will not ever speak to you about them ever.”
Watch: Tommy Robinson supporters change lyrics of ‘ten German bombers’ chant to ‘rubber dinghies’ at rally
14:04 , Sami QuadriTommy Robinson says 'patriotism is the future' at central London demonstration
13:59 , Sami Quadri“Unite the Kingdom” protest frontman Tommy Robinson said “patriotism is the future, borders are the future” as he claimed it was the “biggest demonstration is British history”.
In a video from the protest, the activist added that “Britain has finally awoken” and that “this is never going away”.
Watch: Stand Up To Racism counter-protest makes its way down to Holborn
13:56 , Sami QuadriTommy Robinson's "Unite the Kingdom" march sets off
13:33 , Matt WattsThe "Unite the Kingdom" march has now set off towards the southern end of Whitehall.
Tommy Robinson has joined the crowd, flanked by Katie Hopkins, Ant Middleton and Laurence Fox.
Tommy Robinson claims Unite the Kingdom protest is 'largest demonstration in British history'
12:56 , Sami QuadriTommy Robinson said the “revolution is on” in a video posted to X where he claimed his Unite the Kingdom protest was the largest demonstration in British history.
The far-right activist told his followers that London was full of “patriots” before saying “the spark has started, the revolution is on”.
There are more than 400,000 people watching Robinson’s live stream on X as they chanted his name and “Keir Starmer is a wan***”.
A presenter on the stream said Robinson is “on his way” to the protesters now.
Pictured: Protester holds ‘RIP Charlie Kirk’ banner at Tommy Robinson march
12:54 , Sami Quadri
Katie Hopkins and Ant Middleton join Tommy Robinson ahead of London rally
12:51 , Sami QuadriAnt Middleton, Katie Hopkins and an MEP for the populist German AFD party featured in a video posted by Tommy Robinson titled “the A team” on X.
They, along with other right-wing social media personalities were sitting and laughing around a table, waiting for the march to Whitehall to begin.
Outside on the streets, protesters waving flags, some adorned in knight outfits or union flag suits could be heard chanting Robinson’s name on his livestream which currently has more than 250,000 viewers.
From the crowd, a man from New Zealand said he had flown over with “about 100 of my warriors” to take part in the march.
Adult star Lana Wolf travels from Scotland to join Tommy Robinson protest
12:37 , Sami QuadriAdult star Lana Wolf, who has more than 40,000 followers on X, said she had travelled from Scotland to attend the protest.
She said: “I'm a woman, I consider myself a modern feminist and non-British nationals are 71 per cent more likely to commit a sex offence. The data speak for itself. I know nobody likes to say it, no one wants to sound like they're being racist, but data doesn't lie.”
That figure has been cited in media reports based on Ministry of Justice statistics comparing the number of sex offence convictions of foreign nationals with their share of the population. However, experts say the claim is a simplification — the figures do not account for factors such as age or regional differences and rely on convictions data, which can overstate risk when used without context.
Ms Woolfson added that she had been banned from Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok for her views.
Pictured: Crowds assemble ahead of Stand Up To Racism’s March Against Fascism
12:26 , Sami Quadri
Anti-Starmer chants ring out as crowds gather at Blackfriars for far-right march
12:22 , Sami QuadriHundreds of people were gathered outside Blackfriars station and lined along Blackfriars Bridge before Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally.
Pockets of the crowd started chanting “f**k you Starmer” while many were wearing or holding England and Union flags
London Underground trains heading towards the station were packed with people seemingly on the way to the demonstration
Pictured: Tommy Robinson supporters in Union Jack outfits ahead of Unite the Kingdom march
12:20 , Sami Quadri.jpeg)
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‘Everyone should feel safe’: Met urges Muslim Londoners to go about city as normal
12:00 , Sami QuadriThe Metropolitan Police have urged Muslim Londoners to go about the city as normal and not change any plans amid suggestions of potential safety concerns from the right-wing event.
Commander Clair Haynes, who is in charge of the public order policing operation in London this weekend, said: “We recognise that there are particular concerns for many in London’s Muslim communities ahead of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest given the record of anti-Muslim rhetoric and incidents of offensive chanting by a minority at previous marches.
“There have been some suggestions that Muslim Londoners should change their behaviour this Saturday, including not coming into town. That is not our advice.
“Everyone should be able to feel safe travelling into and around London.”
Watch: Controversial far-right commentator Katie Hopkins arrives ahead of United the Kingdom march
11:52 , Sami QuadriThe A team @antmiddleton @liamtuffs1 @KTHopkins @Sargon_of_Akkad @PetrBystronAfD @ValentinaForUSA pic.twitter.com/nYlwz4UK9h
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) September 13, 2025
Huge crowds gather near Waterloo as Tommy Robinson march delayed
11:46 , Sami QuadriHuge crowds have descended on the streets around Waterloo Station, with police cordons in place as the official start time of the march is delayed by over an hour.
Masses of protesters have packed Waterloo Road, waving Union Jacks and carrying English and Welsh flags as banners
Signs saying 'Deport all illegals', 'Get them out now' and 'Unite the nation' are clearly visible.
Vendors are selling whistles and flags outside Waterloo Station, while the atmosphere among demonstrators is jubilant. Many people are carrying cans of beer as they head to the procession.
More than 100 gather at Russell Square for anti-fascism counter-protest
11:38 , Sami QuadriMore than a hundred people have gathered outside Russell Square before the March Against Fascism counter-protest against far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally, both of which are being held in central London on Saturday.
People milled around with placards that said “refugees welcome” and “oppose Tommy Robinson”, and chants of “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here” started at around 11.20am.
Meanwhile men carrying Union and St George’s cross flags were seen sitting outside central London pubs, while others carrying tins of alcohol walked towards the start point of Robinson’s march which will begin near Waterloo Bridge.
Eight police vans – from Warwickshire Police, West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police – lined Woburn Street which runs alongside the square.
Pictured: Thousands of protesters gather in Stamford Street ahead of Tommy Robinson’s United the Kingdom march
11:21 , Sami Quadri
Pictured: Activists meet at Socialist Workers Party tent before anti-fascism rally
11:09 , Sami Quadri
‘Far right are a menace to society,’ says Diane Abbott ahead of London rally
11:06 , Sami Quadri“The far right are a menace to the whole of society. Their first targets, asylum seekers & Muslims, are broadening to all migrants, black people & on to trade unionists, all religious minorities & anti-racists,” @HackneyAbbott ahead of the counter protest https://t.co/88DyV8hHdG
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) September 13, 2025
Pictured: Protesters draped in Union Jack flags arrive early to set up in Whitehall ahead of Unite The Kingdom rally
10:44 , Sami Quadri
Police say they are not using live facial recognition at Unite the Kingdom rally
10:19 , Sami QuadriPolice are not using live facial recognition in its policing of the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration which is beginning on London’s south bank.
A Met spokesperson said: “We’re using a mobile CCTV van to help monitor the build up of crowds. Officers have been asked if it’s using ‘live facial recognition’ – we can confirm it is not.”
The live facial recognition technology – which captures people’s faces in real-time CCTV cameras – was used in the policing operation at the Notting Hill Carnival.
Watch: Crowds gather in central London for Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally
10:11 , Sami QuadriEarly doors in London and patriots already gathering.
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) September 13, 2025
It's going to be an amazing day 🇬🇧
pic.twitter.com/8mGycexhII
Who is speaking at Tommy Robinson's rally?
10:05 , Matt WattsThe Unite the Kingdom march and rally is set to hear from speakers including Canadian psychologist and political commentator Jordan Peterson and Katie Hopkins.
Steve Bannon, Donald Trump’s former chief strategist, is among those who has been listed to appear on stage at the rally .
Other planned speakers on Saturday include Ant Middleton, a former UK special forces soldier who has increasingly used far-right rhetoric, as well as an MP for Germany’s far-right AfD party and a far-right Polish MEP.
Peterson’s inclusion at the event is unclear, the Guardian has reported, saying while the free speech advocate has been a supporter of Robinson online, he has made no mention of the event recently.
Stand Up to Racism call for 'unity against division'
09:20 , Matt WattsStand up to Racism, who are staging a counter-protest today, are calling for supporters to turn out in a “a massive showing of unity against division.”
In a message to supporters it said: “Let’s see action the length and breath of England, Scotland and Wales against the far right.
“Everyone can play their part in making the national demo against Tommy Robinson on 13 September a massive showing of unity against division.”
Speakers at the demonstration will include Hackney MP Diane Abbott.
🚨March Against Fascism THIS SATURDAY🚨
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) September 8, 2025
⛔ Tommy Robinson's festival of hate will feature a rogue's gallery of Steve Bannon, Katie Hopkins, Jordan Peterson...
📣 Join thousands in saying #NoRacismNoFascism #RefugeesWelcome #NoPasarán
🕛12 Noon
📍Russell Square pic.twitter.com/CpKwqxo2pg
Backdrop to Robinson march of anti-migrant hotel protests
09:02 , Matt WattsTommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingsom march” is taking place following widespread protests outside migrant hotels over the summer.
Thousands have joined demonstrations against hotels used to accommodate asylum seekers.
The Bell Hotel in Epping was the centrepoint for protests that then spread across the country amid concerns about community safety after sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl.
There were also widespread anti-racism protests set up to counter the ant-migrant protests.
Police set strict conditions to keep rival groups apart
08:54 , Matt WattsScotland Yard has imposed strict restrictions under the Public Order Act on where and when campaigners can protest.
A “sterile area” will be created between the two demonstrations to minimise the risk of disorder.
Barriers and large numbers of officers will be deployed to keep groups separate and maintain public safety.
Anyone preparing to take part in the Tommy Robinson march must form up in a designated area in Stamford Street, near Waterloo.
Police have said anyone participating in the march must follow the agreed route which is shown on the map below.
They must not enter the ‘emergency access lane’ on Westminster Bridge which is there to ensure the path of emergency vehicles, such as ambulances getting to the nearby hospital, is not blocked.
A rally is planned forllowing the march that must conclude by 6pm.
Protesters must remain within the red shaded area on the map below which is the southern end of Whitehall.
The stage can only be set up at the point marked with a white square.
Anyone who breaches the conditions risks arrest.
Tommy Robinson calls for calm
08:28 , Matt WattsTommy Robinson has called on attendees of his rally to not wear masks, drink alcohol or be violent.
In a video on X he said: "It's not a time for riots. It's not a time for violence. It's a time where you come and you stand proudly for your country."
He added: "This is an imperative message and an important message: we have to control ourselves."
It comes amid fears his protest could descend into violence.
Huge policing operation planned
07:52 , Matt WattsA massive police operation will take place amid fears of violence involving protesters.
The Metropolitan Police has called in 500 reinforcement officers from across the UK to help .
Around 1,000 officers will be responsible for the two protests taking place in central London, the force said.
More than 1,600 officers will be deployed as part of the overall public order policing operation in the city, on a busy day for events.
Read our full report on the policing operation here.
What time are the protests and what are the routes?
07:35 , Matt WattsThe Unite the Kingdom march and rally organised by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will see demonstrators arrive in Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge at 11am to march towards the southern end of Whitehall.
Counter protesters from Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) will gather in Russell Square from midday before marching via Kingsway, Aldwych and the Strand to the northern end of Whitehall for a rally.
It is hoped the routes will keep the two protests apart.
The Met police is deploying around 1,000 officers in London in a bid to prevent clashes between the rival protests.
Thousands to descend on London for Tommy Robinson rally and counter-protest
07:30 , Matt WattsGood morning and welcome to our live coverage of two major protests that are taking place in central London today.
Thousands of people are set to descend on the capital for a rally organised by activist Tommy Robinson.
A counter-protest, dubbed March Against Fascism, organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), is also due to take place in the city on Saturday.
Around 1,000 officers will be deployed in London in a bid to prevent clashes between protesters with opposing views.
