London sees massive anti-immigration far-right rally, counterprotest; several cops injured

The event, branded the “Unite the Kingdom” rally, turned violent as some Robinson supporters clashed with officers deployed to keep the groups separated from counter demonstrators, AP reported.

The Metropolitan Police reported that 26 officers were injured, of whom four were seriously injured, with broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, and a spinal injury.

At least 25 arrests were made for offences including violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage. Over 1,000 officers had been deployed, with reinforcements in riot gear called in as clashes escalated.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said while many participants came to protest lawfully, “there were many who came intent on violence,” confronting officers and attempting to breach police cordons, AP reported.

The far-right rally dwarfed the rival “March Against Fascism” counterprotest, organised by Stand Up To Racism, which drew about 5,000 participants.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is the founder of the English Defence League and one of the UK’s most prominent far-right figures. Saturday’s rally, promoted as a demonstration for free speech, featured rhetoric targeting migration and multiculturalism.

French far-right politician Eric Zemmour told the crowd that both France and Britain were being “colonised” by migrants from their former colonies.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, appearing via video link, also addressed the rally, warning of “massive uncontrolled migration” and accusing the UK government of eroding Britain’s identity.

Robinson himself told attendees that migrants enjoyed more rights than the “British public.”

The rallies come amid fierce political debate over migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats — a deeply divisive issue in Britain’s current political climate.