Posted on May 17, 2026

UK Far-Right Group Stages Anti-Immigration Protest in London

Jenipher Camino Gonzalez, DW, May 16, 2026

Police in London on Saturday braced themselves as tens of thousands of protesters joined the latest rally staged by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon gathered up to 150,000 people into central London last September, for a rally proclaiming “national unity, free speech and Christian values.”

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London’s Metropolitan Police has said it will deploy 4,000 officers. They will be assisted by horses, dogs, drones and helicopters.

The city’s law enforcement will be stretched thin, as they seek to manage the far-right march and a counter-demonstration, a pro-Palestinian protest, as well as the FA Cup final, all taking place at the same time.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday denounced Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march for “peddling hate and division, plain and ​simple.”

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The far-right activist has tapped into growing public anger over immigration, as the UK has seen tens of thousands of migrants crossing the English Channel each year in small boats.

His followers also have shown dissatisfaction with wider immigration policies, alleged free speech curbs and other issues.

Robinson called for British people to get involved in politics, as he spoke on stage at the march.

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