Who is Tommy Robinson, whose arrest sparked tensions in London prompting protesters to wave Trump slogans?

Robinson, accused of inciting previous unrest, also faces a terrorism-related charge for refusing to provide his phone PIN.

Right-wing, anti-immigrant protesters led a “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London on Saturday, while anti-racism demonstrators held a nearby counter-protest.

Many participants waved British and English flags, with some holding signs that read “Make America Great Again,” a phrase popularized by former US President Donald Trump. Trump, who is seeking another term in the upcoming US elections, is recognized for his anti-immigration policies.

Both rallies remained largely peaceful amid a heightened police presence, with only a few arrests.

The nationalist protest was organised in support of far-right figure Tommy Robinson, currently in custody ahead of a contempt of court hearing. Robinson, accused of inciting previous unrest, also faces a terrorism-related charge for refusing to provide his phone PIN.

The protests occurred amid rising tensions over immigration, as recent figures show a record 29,578 asylum seekers crossing the Channel this year.

Far-right figure Robinson’s recent arrest for contempt of court has heightened tensions in London, with thousands gathering to demand his release. Robinson, born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and founder of the nationalist English Defence League (EDL), remains influential in Britain’s far-right circles, often linked to anti-immigration protests.

Over the weekend, his supporters held a “Unite the Kingdom” march, clashing with anti-racism protesters led by Stand Up to Racism. Tensions resulted in multiple arrests, with five people detained for offenses including assault and racially-aggravated behavior.

Robinson faces a court hearing on October 28 for allegedly violating a High Court order related to defamation against a Syrian refugee.

Robinson was banned from Twitter in 2018 but was later reinstated. He now has a significant following on the platform, which has since been rebranded as X.