Thousands of demonstrators today joined a protest march in London organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, the Associated Press reported, BTA reported.
In parallel with the demonstration under the slogan "Let's Unite the Kingdom" There was also a counter-protest with a significantly smaller number of participants, organized by the "Stand Up to Racism" movement.
Over 1,000 police officers were deployed on the streets of the British capital, and a buffer zone was established in the area of government buildings between demonstrators and counter-demonstrators to prevent clashes between participants in the two marches.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and who is known for his nationalist and anti-immigrant views, described the action as a demonstration in defense of freedom of speech and British heritage and culture.
The two protests took place at a time when there is a fierce debate in Britain about migrants who enter the country illegally, crossing the English Channel in small, overcrowded boats.
This summer, there have been numerous protests outside various hotels where migrants are staying. The unrest erupted after authorities arrested an Ethiopian man who was later found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The crime took place in a London suburb. Some of the protests have led to clashes between demonstrators and police and arrests.
Participants in today's march in London waved flags of England with the St. George's Cross, as well as flags of the United Kingdom. "We want our country back", the protesters chanted. Some of Robinson's supporters held signs with inscriptions such as "Stop the boats", "Send them home" "Enough is enough, save our children". The protest included insults directed at Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There were also messages of support for American far-right activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed this week.
Counter-protesters held up banners reading "Refugees Welcome" and "Crush the Far Right".
Robinson had planned a "Let's Unite the Kingdom" rally last October, but was unable to attend because he was jailed. The reason for this was that he violated a 2021 High Court order that prohibited him from repeating defamatory claims against a Syrian refugee who won a case against the far-right leader. Robinson had previously served effective sentences for assault and mortgage fraud.
Robinson is the founder of the nationalist and anti-Islamist "English Defence League" and is among the most influential far-right figures in Britain.