Hundreds of protesters against the war in Iran have gathered in central London.
Activists waved placards that read “stop Trump’s wars”, “tell Starmer: stop arming Israel”, “end nuclear hypocrisy” and “stop bombing Iran”, as well as Iranian and Palestinian flags.
They stood around a drum circle and chanted “end illegal occupation now”, “Donald Trump go to hell” and “the Middle East will be free”.
Stop the War Coalition is co-organising the demonstration that has seen people walk to Kingsway, Aldwych, The Strand, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall before ending in Richmond Terrace for speeches.
The group said previously: “Our demonstration is calling for an end to the bombing of Iran, hands off Lebanon and freedom for Palestine.”
It added: “We demand nothing short of a complete break from Trump and his criminal foreign policy.”
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Police reponse
15:31 , Benjamin LynchAhead of today’s protests, the Metropolitan Police said it had implemented measures to “minimise disruption to others”.
The route is limited, while the final assembly at Richmond Terrance “must finish” at 6pm, police said.
Any “amplified music” or speeches are required to finish by 5.30pm.
Diego Garcia latest
15:22 , Benjamin LynchIran has warned British lives are “in danger” after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Friday that UK bases can be used for US “defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships”.
Diego Garcia is a joint UK-US base around 2,360 miles from Iran. Iran fired missiles towards the base, which is part of the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.
Two intermediate-range ballistic missiles were fired by Iran at the base. One was shot down, while the other failed during flight.
It is understood that the base was targeted before ministers gave the US permission to the US to “use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations”.
Protests reach Downing Street
14:54 , Benjamin LynchHundreds of protesters at today’s demonstration have reached Downing Street after beginning the march at Russell Square.
Chants of “from the belly of the beast, hands off the Middle East”, “hands off Lebanon and Iran” and “from Iran to Palestine, bombing children is a crime” could be heard.
UK being dragged into war - Badenoch
14:42 , Benjamin LynchConservative leader Kemi Badenoch says the UK is being “dragged” into the war.
She said Sir Keir Starmer has “sat on the fence, hoped it would go away, and then when the news looks like it’s negative, he pretends that he actually made a decision”.
The Tory leader said she would not have joined in the initial strikes, but would have “expressed solidarity with the US”.
And we’re off! pic.twitter.com/A8cn0Yvolm
— Stop the War Coalition (@STWuk) March 21, 2026
Sir Keir has said the UK “will not be drawn into the wider war”.
Today, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) condemned “Iran’s reckless attacks” after missiles were fired by Iran towards Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands, a joint UK-US base.
“RAF jets and other UK military assets are continuing to defend our people and personnel in the region,” the MoD said. “This Government has given permission to the US to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.”
The UK is among 22 countries to have condemned Iran’s attacks on oil and gas facilities and commercial vessels in the Middle East.
“The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” the statement released today said.
Among the other signatories are the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany and Japan.
Protest comes as Trump says US is 'winding down'
13:51 , Benjamin LynchToday’s protest comes as US President Donald Trump claims the US is considering “winding down” its operation in the Middle East.
Trump made the comment in a social media post on Friday evening and said: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.”
The comments came after another climb in oil prices and a lowering of the US stock market.
US allies have not joined the war, angering Trump who called NATO members “cowards”.
“NATO is a paper tiger,” he said.
British ministers have said they have allowed the US military to use the UK’s bases in operations to prevent Iran from attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for the world’s oil supply.
‘Donald Trump go to hell’
13:37 , Benjamin LynchSome protesters stood around a drum circle and chanted “end illegal occupation now”, as well as “Donald Trump go to hell” and “the Middle East will be free”.
The protest: pictured
13:34 , Benjamin LynchHere are some images from the march today. At least one person can be seen holding up an image of the former Iranian Supreme Leader.
Walking through London
13:22 , Benjamin LynchThe plans of protesters are to walk through London and some of its best-known landmarks.
The Stop the War Coalition march is seeing people walk from Kingsway, Aldwych, The Strand, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall before ending at Richmond Terrace.
Protesters ‘getting ready to march’ against Iran war in London
12:55 , Sami QuadriGetting set up and ready to march against the US and Israel’s illegal war on Iran#StopBombingIran #HandsOffLebanon #FreePalestine pic.twitter.com/qYOkj9jKOR
— Stop the War Coalition (@STWuk) March 21, 2026
