Thousands of protesters have gathered in central London for a march in support of Tommy Robinson, alongside a separate counter-demonstration.
🚨London has been completely taken over by British patriots as far as the eyes can see.
Iconic. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/PJZv1nPkQP
— God Save Great Britain (@GSGB01) February 1, 2025
A protest, organized under the names “Stop the Isolation” or “Unite the Kingdom”, was held in support of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Demonstrators assembled outside Waterloo Station before marching towards Westminster and gathering at the Parliament Square end of Whitehall. As they set off, chants of “We want our country back” and “We want Tommy out” echoed through the crowd, with protesters carrying flags bearing slogans such as “Free Tommy Robinson” and “Stop the Boats”. Many participants were seen wearing “MEGA – Make England Great Again” hats and “I am Tommy” stickers, while several attendees livestreamed the event on their phones.
📢 London: Thousands take to the streets to oppose Tommy Robinson, racist rioters and the rise of the global far right. ⛔#StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/of4DXPKKnP
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) February 1, 2025
Meanwhile, a counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism began at St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus, with demonstrators marching towards Whitehall via Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket before holding a rally at the Trafalgar Square end of Whitehall. The event was promoted as “marching together against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism and to say that we won’t let the far right divide us.”
The Metropolitan Police stated that pedestrian access in the middle of Whitehall would be restricted, and officers had been deployed to ensure the groups remained apart. The force also advised those not involved in the protests to use alternative routes between Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.
Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after the Solicitor General took legal action against him for breaching a High Court injunction issued in 2021. He admitted to 10 breaches of the order, which prohibited him from repeating libelous claims against a Syrian refugee.
Organizers of the pro-Robinson protest posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “We will proceed to Downing Street. Stand against the isolation of Tommy Robinson. Deliver our message to the establishment.”
Weyman Bennett, co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism, emphasized the importance of countering the far right, stating: “We saw the power of mobilising against the far-right in response to last summer’s racist riots. We must bring that anti-racist spirit onto the streets of London and reject the politics of hate.”
There will be an increased police presence in central London tomorrow with two protests due to take place.
We have imposed conditions under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.
More details can be found at the link below ⬇️ https://t.co/KOs9suZsU3
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) January 31, 2025
Commander Louise Puddefoot, overseeing the policing operation, assured the public that authorities were “well prepared” for both protests and had engaged in discussions with organizers. She added: “We have officers deployed in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the wider community and to give us the capability to intervene swiftly and decisively if incidents of crime or disorder occur.”
She further explained the force’s approach, stating: “Decisions on our policing style at protests, including the types of uniform worn by officers and the protective equipment available to them, are taken on a case-by-case basis. It allows us to be ready to respond quickly and decisively where we need to.”