London police said officers were attacked and injured during far-right anti-immigration protests in the capital on Saturday, as more than 110,000 people filled the streets.
The demonstration, branded “Unite the Kingdom” and led by activist Tommy Robinson, saw violent clashes after protesters attempted to breach police cordons set up to separate them from counter-protesters. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 26 officers were hurt and 25 arrests were made.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the assaults, calling them “wholly unacceptable,” and vowed that investigators would identify those responsible. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also criticized the violence, saying that attacks on police officers “will not be tolerated.”
Protesters marched through central London carrying Union Jacks and St. George’s flags, with some chanting the name of U.S. political activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed earlier in the week. Robinson, speaking to followers, declared that “patriotism is the future” and called for stronger borders and free speech.
The far-right figure, who previously founded the English Defence League, was released from prison earlier this year after serving time for contempt of court. Police had warned in advance that Muslim Londoners might feel uneasy about the march, citing past incidents of anti-Muslim rhetoric at similar events.
Meanwhile, thousands of counter-protesters gathered nearby, chanting “no justice, no peace, no fascists on our streets.” Politicians including John McDonnell and Diane Abbott joined the counter-demonstration, emphasizing solidarity against hate-driven movements.
Journalist Sangita Myska, who attended the counter-protest, said diverse groups of people united to reject Robinson’s message, stressing that his rhetoric does not reflect Britain’s values.
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