Twenty-six police officers were injured in the United Kingdom after violence erupted during a massive protest in central London, where far-right activist Tommy Robinson led up to 150,000 marchers through the capital.
The demonstration, branded the Unite the Kingdom rally, turned tense as some participants hurled bottles and other projectiles at police, according to the Metropolitan Police, leaving four officers seriously hurt.
Adding to the spectacle, tech billionaire Elon Musk addressed protesters on Whitehall via videolink, while around 5,000 people gathered nearby for a counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism.
The Met confirmed that 25 people were arrested for a range of offences amid what it described as “wholly unacceptable” violence.
To manage the situation, more than 1,000 officers were deployed in central London, with an additional 500 drafted in from forces including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Devon and Cornwall.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers had “policed without fear or favour”, acknowledging the challenge of the day.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence,” he said.
He detailed the toll on his force, noting injuries such as broken teeth, concussion, a prolapsed disc, a head injury and a possible broken nose.
“The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start,” he added, vowing to track down more suspects.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned “those who have attacked and injured police officers”.
“Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law,” she added.
By mid-afternoon, police lines divided the two demonstrations along Whitehall. Though the march began peacefully, officers came under attack as they tried to keep Robinson supporters and anti-racism demonstrators apart.
According to the Met, the turnout at the Unite the Kingdom rally “exceeded the estimates of organisers”, leaving insufficient space in Whitehall and Parliament Square.
Many protesters ignored police instructions, pushing toward secure zones and areas occupied by counter-demonstrators.
“When officers intervened to block their path they were assaulted with kicks and punches,” the Met reported, explaining that riot police, horses and dogs were eventually used to maintain order.
Crowds clambered over fencing and scaffolding, creating further risks. At one stage, a glass bottle struck a police horse, causing the animal and its rider to stagger. Scuffles escalated at the top of Whitehall and Trafalgar Square, where batons were deployed to disperse Robinson supporters.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressed his supporters at what was billed as a “freedom of speech festival”, accusing politicians of “parroting” his ideas and claiming that UK courts had placed the rights of undocumented migrants above those of “the local community”.
His comments followed last month’s Court of Appeal decision overturning an injunction that had blocked asylum seekers from being housed at The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
Musk, in his videolink appearance, warned about “massive uncontrolled migration” and called for political upheaval.
“Something’s got to be done,” Musk said as Robinson interviewed him.
“There’s got to be a dissolution of Parliament and a new vote held.”
Also addressing the rally was TV presenter Katie Hopkins, who earlier appeared at the march near Waterloo station with Robinson, Laurence Fox and Ant Middleton.
Meanwhile, at the Stand Up To Racism counter-protest, independent MP Diane Abbott told demonstrators: “We know racism and violence and fascism is not new.
“But you know what? We have always defeated that racism and violence.”
Robinson concluded the day’s stage events shortly after 18:30, promising to organise another gathering.
The 42-year-old had been released from prison earlier in 2025 after serving time for ignoring an order not to repeat false claims about a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel.
