Six people were arrested in central London after a far-right rally clashed with an anti-racism counter-protest, which took place under the watch of a large police presence. The protests created significant tension across the city.
On Saturday, supporters of Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, gathered to demand his release. They marched under the slogan “Stop the Isolation, Uniting the Kingdom.” Robinson, who had spread false claims about a Syrian refugee, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt of court in October.
The protesters began at Waterloo Station and marched towards Whitehall, chanting, “We want Tommy out.” Alongside UK and England flags, some demonstrators waved American and Israeli flags. Additionally, some protesters shouted anti-Islamic and anti-migrant slogans, sparking further concerns.
Meanwhile, the Stand Up To Racism group led a large counter-protest to oppose the far-right movement. Thousands of activists took to the streets, calling out the “rise of the global far-right” and showing solidarity with minorities. They aimed to emphasise unity and inclusivity while challenging hate and division.
To prevent conflict, the Metropolitan Police erected barricades along Whitehall. Officers stood between both groups, ensuring they remained separate. The police also worked to control the crowd and maintain public order throughout the protests.
Despite these efforts, six individuals were arrested for various reasons. These included breaching Public Order Act conditions, setting off flares, and assaulting officers. Police took one person into custody for allegedly spitting at an officer, while they made three more arrests after far-right protesters entered the counter-protest area.
