Far-Right Anti-Immigration Protest Shakes London as Robinson Leads 110,000, Violence Erupts, and Musk Stirs Fury.
The Anti-Immigration Rally
A far-right Anti-Immigration rally, titled “Unite the Kingdom,” took place in central London on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Organized by activist Tommy Robinson, the event drew an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 participants.
The stated purpose of the rally was to protest against immigration and perceived threats to British culture and identity. Some protesters carried banners calling to “send them home” and “stop the boats”. Robinson had billed it as a “festival of free speech. Police estimated the crowd size to be between 110,000 and 150,000 people, though Robinson claimed the number was higher. A simultaneous counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism drew about 5,000 participants.
The Violence and Police Response
Violence broke out when some of Robinson’s supporters ignored police directions and tried to breach a cordoned-off “sterile area” separating them from a smaller “Stand Up to Racism” counter-protest. The far-right group attacked officers with “unacceptable violence,” including kicks, punches, and projectiles, as the officers tried to block them.
During the rally and subsequent clashes, participants committed vandalism and carried out assaults, though officials did not provide specific details. Protesters, specifically some of Robinson’s supporters, threw bottles and other objects at police officers. Officers were also assaulted directly with kicks and punches.
In total, 26 Metropolitan Police officers were injured during the disorder. Four of the injured officers sustained serious injuries, which included broken teeth, a suspected broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc, and a head injury.
The Metropolitan Police initially arrested 25 individuals during the rally, with more arrests expected as part of an ongoing investigation. Charges included common assault, assault on an emergency worker, and possession of an offensive weapon.Police deployed reinforcements, including officers with riot shields and helmets, to control the crowds and prevent them from entering restricted areas. The Metropolitan Police launched a post-event investigation to identify and prosecute additional individuals involved in the disorder. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood both condemned the attacks, emphasizing that those involved would face “robust police action”.
Elon Musk’s Involvement
Musk participated in the Anti-Immigrant rally via a live video link, appearing on a screen for the massive crowd. His fiery speech included the line, “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die”.
Many interpreted Musk’s statement about “fighting back” as inciting violence, particularly in the context of the rally, which ended in violent clashes with police. The Liberal Democrats’ leader, Ed Davey, condemned the remarks as “inciting violence on our streets”. His virtual appearance and inflammatory rhetoric in support of a rally organized by a far-right activist linked with violence drew widespread condemnation. It reinforced concerns about his alignment with far-right movements.
The timing of his remarks, following the recent violence at the rally and other related incidents, led politicians like Equalities Minister Jacqui Smith to call his words “wrong and dangerous”.
The Broader Context of Anti-Immigration Sentiment in the UK
Anti-Immigration rallies, such as the “Unite the Kingdom” march in London in September 2025, exist within the broader context of complex and growing anti-immigration sentiment in the UK. Factors including the post-Brexit shift in immigration policy, economic anxieties, job concerns, and misinformation on social media fuel this sentiment.
Amid economic slowdowns and stagnant wages, some fear immigration intensifies job competition in lower-skilled sectors. Growing populations, partly driven by migration, are also seen as adding pressure on public services and housing. In this climate, people often scapegoat migrants for wider economic and social problems. A 2024 report by the Mixed Migration Centre stressed that protests reflect not only Anti-Migrant sentiment but also deeper grievances and political discontent.
The massive Anti-Immigration rally in London, marked by violence and Elon Musk’s controversial remarks, revealed sharp divisions in British society. It underscored the UK’s struggle to manage immigration while fostering social cohesion. As authorities investigate and assess the damage, concerns grow over the risk of further violence. Many stress the need for responsible leadership to bridge divides and prevent escalating tensions.
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