Tommy Robinson Rally Draws Over 100,000 in London Amid Free Speech, Migration Debates

More than 100,000 people gathered in London for the "Unite the Kingdom" rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who framed the event as a free speech protest and a defense of British heritage and culture. Robinson, known for his nationalist and anti-migrant views, used the rally to mobilize support by referencing the recent killing of U.S. conservative activist Charlie Kirk and expressed grievances over migrants having more legal rights than native Britons. The demonstration featured participants waving English and UK flags and chanting nationalist slogans, while some supporters held anti-migrant signs such as "stop the boats" and "send them home." A smaller counterprotest organized by Stand Up To Racism, with around 5,000 people, marched under the banner "March Against Fascism," holding signs like "refugees welcome" and shouting opposition to the far right. Over 1,000 police officers maintained a buffer zone between the rival groups to prevent clashes, though there were reports of some skirmishes involving Robinson's supporters. The rally reflects ongoing tensions in the UK over unauthorized migration across the English Channel and the rise of nationalist sentiments amid recent violent incidents linked to asylum seekers.