Over one lakh join anti-immigration rally in London; Elon Musk calls for UK parliament’s ‘dissolution’

Police and protesters scuffle as 110,000 join anti-migrant London protest

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of London on Saturday for a demonstration led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, prompting one of the largest police operations in the capital this year. Many participants carried English and British flags as they joined the “Unite the Kingdom” rally, where clashes broke out with officers.

The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured during the unrest, including four who were seriously hurt after bottles and other objects were thrown at them. Estimates suggested the rally drew as many as 150,000 people.

Robinson, who has faced repeated court cases and prison terms in the past, returned to the spotlight at the centre of the protest. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk also addressed the crowd remotely via video link.

A counter-demonstration organised by the group Stand Up To Racism attracted around 5,000 people nearby, underscoring the heightened tensions in Britain after a summer marked by disputes over immigration and free speech.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaking virtually at a far-right rally in London, called for the “dissolution of parliament” and a “change of government” in Britain. The event, organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, descended into violent clashes with police.

Addressing the crowd via video link, Musk denounced the “woke mind virus” and warned protesters that “violence is coming” and that “you either fight back or you die.” He added, “I really think that there’s got to be a change of government in Britain. You can’t – we don’t have another four years, or whenever the next election is, it’s too long.”

Thousands marched toward Westminster carrying Union Jacks, the St George’s Cross, as well as American and Israeli flags. Some donned red “Make America Great Again” caps in support of US President Donald Trump. Demonstrators chanted against Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while placards demanded “send them home.”

Robinson promoted the “Unite the Kingdom” rally as a celebration of free speech and a tribute to US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead earlier in the week.

Police said 25 arrests were made for various offences amid what they described as “wholly unacceptable” violence. Around 1,000 officers were deployed in central London, with an additional 500 brought in from other regions, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Devon, and Cornwall.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers had “policed without fear or favour,” adding: “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence.”