May 16, 2026, 6:10 PM ET
LONDON – Tens of thousands participated in two distinct protests in central London on Saturday, one opposing mass immigration and the perceived Islamic threats to British identity, the other in solidarity with Palestinians.
The police deployed 4,000 officers, including reinforcements from surrounding areas, and declared this the largest security operation in years. Authorities stated they would “use their powers as aggressively as possible” to manage the situation.
By 6:30 PM Japan time, when both marches concluded, law enforcement reported the arrest of 43 individuals for various offenses but indicated there were “very few serious incidents.” They had anticipated the presence of at least 80,000 participants.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had criticized the organizers of the Kingdom Unity March on Friday, accusing them of “spreading hatred and division, plain and simple.”
The march was organized by anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, commonly known as Tommy Robinson. The UK government has barred 11 individuals identified as “foreign far-right agitators” from entering the country to participate in these protests.
Robinson’s previous rally in September attracted around 150,000 attendees and featured a video message from U.S. tech billionaire Elon Musk. That event saw 26 police officers injured, with four requiring serious medical attention. On Saturday, while four officers were injured, thankfully, none were seriously harmed.
Protesters Display National Flags
During the protest, Robinson’s supporters predominantly waved British flags. Attendee Alison Parr expressed her views, stating, “I think the issue is too many immigrants disrupt the delicate balance in society,” criticizing net-zero environmental policies as well.
Recent statistics indicate that annual net immigration reached approximately 900,000 in 2022 and 2023, but tightened work visa regulations led to a decline to about 200,000 last year. The surge in immigration, particularly concerning the arrival of asylum seekers via small boats, has affected Starmer’s popularity, while simultaneously bolstering right-wing sentiments among voters, particularly for the Reform UK Party, led by Nigel Farage, who has distanced himself from Robinson.
Some attendees resorted to derogatory language against Starmer. Robinson, who has a history of legal troubles including assault and stalking convictions, proclaimed, “We are waking up Britain. This is a cultural and spiritual awakening happening now.”
Pro-Palestinian Protests Commemorate Nakba Day
Nearby, a separate group of demonstrators rallied with Palestinian flags and placards, marking Nakba Day. This day remembers the Palestinians’ loss of land during the 1948 war following the establishment of Israel. “Nakba” translates to “disaster” in Arabic.
Protester Sharon DeWitt cited the injustice of the situation, indicating that without a pathway for Palestinians to establish their own state, peace for Jews would remain elusive. Recently, London has witnessed rising tensions including arson attacks on Jewish facilities, with violent incidents further exacerbating fears within the community.
In light of the 33 major pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the Hamas-led assault on Israel in October 2023, police have noted a significant increase in anxiety among the Jewish population when frequenting central London.
While a range of opinions exist within the demonstrators, law enforcement reports suggest that significant arrests for racially and religiously aggravated public order offenses often follow such events. On this occasion, some protesters chanted provocative slogans, including “Death to the IDF,” which police previously cautioned could lead to arrests related to targeting Jewish individuals.
Additional reporting by Chris Radcliffe. Written by David Milliken. Editing by Mark Potter and Rod Nickel.
