Tommy Robinson Rally Draws Over 100,000 to London Amid Heightened Tensions

Over 100,000 demonstrators, led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, packed London streets yesterday, September 13, for the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally. The massive turnout underscored rising national tensions over immigration and cultural identity, prompting a significant counter-protest across the city.

Police estimated Robinson’s rally at approximately 110,000 people, with the crowd stretching from Big Ben across the River Thames and beyond Waterloo train station. Simultaneously, a smaller ‘March Against Fascism,’ organized by Stand Up To Racism, drew about 5,000 marchers. Over 1,000 police officers were deployed to maintain order and a buffer zone between the two demonstrations near government buildings.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, billed the event as a demonstration for free speech and the defense of British heritage, echoing his well-known nationalist and anti-migrant views. Participants carried English and Union Jack flags, chanting ‘We want our country back’ and displaying signs such as ‘stop the boats’ and ‘save our children.’ Counter-protesters, in turn, held signs proclaiming ‘refugees welcome’ and ‘smash the far right,’ shouting ‘stand up, fight back.’

The demonstrations unfold amidst a fervent national debate over migrants crossing the English Channel and recent anti-migrant protests outside hotels housing asylum-seekers. Notably, some Robinson supporters also voiced support for slain U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on Wednesday at Utah Valley University. Authorities have since arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson in connection with what they describe as a targeted attack, a development that resonated with some at the London rally.

Robinson, a prominent far-right figure and founder of the English Defence League, has a history of legal troubles, including a recent jail sentence for contempt of court, yet continues to mobilize significant public support.

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