London — More than 100,000 people filled the streets of the British capital on Saturday in one of its largest demonstrations in years, as anti-immigration activists and pro-migrant groups staged rival rallies.
Demonstrators waved Union Jacks, England’s red-and-white crosses, and even American and Israeli flags. Some wore red “Make America Great Again” caps associated with former U.S. president Donald Trump. Chants of “Send migrants home” and “Protect free speech” echoed through central London.
The rally was called by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who told supporters it marked the start of a “cultural revolution.” He described the turnout as a “storm of patriotism.”
The scale of the protest brought much of central London to a standstill. Shops, restaurants, and offices closed, traffic backed up for hours, and many tourists were caught off guard by the size of the crowds.
Clashes broke out when protesters tried to divert from the approved route between Southwark and Whitehall. Police came under attack from bottles, flares, and stones. Metropolitan Police official Matt Twist said 25 demonstrators were arrested and 26 officers injured, four of them seriously.
Counter-March and Global Spotlight
A separate demonstration in support of immigrants was led by teacher Ben Hetchik, whose group carried placards calling for tolerance. “Hatred is dividing our country. We grow stronger only when we welcome immigrants,” he said.
Around 1,600 police officers were deployed to keep the groups apart. Despite their efforts, scuffles still broke out before officers regained control.
Tesla chief Elon Musk also addressed the anti-immigration rally via video, urging the dissolution of Parliament and a change of government — comments that drew international attention and sparked online debate.
London’s multicultural identity has long been one of its defining features. But Saturday’s events underscored growing polarization over immigration. Robinson’s supporters framed their cause as patriotism, while counter-protesters argued the city’s strength lies in diversity and inclusion.
