An “unprecedented” police operation took place in London today as tens of thousands of people attended marches through the centre of the capital.
Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters were deployed along with thousands of officers as the Met aimed to avoid clashes between far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march, and those taking part in the pro-Palestine Nakba 78 rally and counter march against the far right.
Both marches have now concluded, with the Metropolitan Police saying that 43 people had been arrested for offences across the two marches, as of 7.30pm.
The force also said that four officers were assaulted - none of them seriously - with a further six officers subjected to hate crime offences, while there were 22 additional arrests at the FA Cup Final.
For the first time live facial recognition and new powers to target hate speech were used to maintain public order.
Prosecutors have been told to consider whether protest placards, banners and chants viewed on social media may amount to offences of stirring up hatred during the rallies.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. But anyone spreading hate or committing acts of violence will face the full force of the law.”
The £4.5million security operation comes as officers also policed the FA cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City.
The Unite the Kingdom protest started in Kingsway and finished in Parliament Square for a rally.
The Nakba 78 protest and counter demonstration to the far-right march started in Exhibition Road, in South Kensington, ending in Pall Mall.
Scroll down for the latest updates.
Protest arrests up to 43
20:21 , Tom PlaceThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed that there were 43 arrests at the two protests today, as of 7.30pm.
The force said that four officers were assaulted - none of them seriously - while a further six officers were subjected to hate crime offences.
The Met also said that there were 22 additional arrests at the FA Cup Final.
Labour MP praises 'bravery' of protest police
19:51 , Tom PlacePolice minister Sarah Jones has praised the “bravery” of officers who policed today’s protests.
Posting on X, the MP for Croydon West wrote: “Challenging day for the Metropolitan Police who briefed me on their operational response from their command centre.
“Thank you to every officer on the streets of London today for their professionalism and bravery.”
Challenging day for the Metropolitan Police who briefed me on their operational response from their command centre.
— Sarah Jones MP (@LabourSJ) May 16, 2026
Thank you to every officer on the streets of London today for their professionalism and bravery. pic.twitter.com/cUx3jnydaG
Khan: 'Londoners will always reject those who divide our communities'
19:37 , Tom PlaceMayor of London Sadiq Khan has praised the Metropolitan Police for “keeping our capital safe” during today’s protests.
Posting on X, the Mayor said: “Thank you to our dedicated Metropolitan Police officers, security services and transport staff, who have worked to keep our capital safe and moving this weekend while protecting the right to protest peacefully.
“Over 30 arrests have been made so far, and the police have set out that both protests have proceeded largely without significant incident.
“As always, the Met will remain vigilant throughout the weekend, and anyone who experiences hate crime should report it. Londoners will always reject those who seek to divide our communities.”
Londoners will always reject those who seek to divide our communities.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) May 16, 2026
My statement on today’s events: pic.twitter.com/zNilffqonS
Watch: Rival protesters on why they are rallying in London
19:16 , Tom PlaceFormer DCI: Protests went 'incredibly peaceably'
18:59 , Tom PlaceFormer detective chief superintendent Nick Aldworth said that he thought the protests in London today went "incredibly peaceably" given the scale.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Aldworth praised the huge police presence as well as protesters on both sides for "behaving sensibly".
He said there was still a possibility of a “minor fracas across London” as protesters disperse, but that any unrest would be "nipped in the bud" due to the large number of police officers on duty.
4,000 officers were on shift in the capital today, with the operation costing around £4.5m.
Mr Aldworth also cited the weather, adding: "It's a bit grey and cold. There's no real incentive for people to hang around.”
Parliament Square clear of protesters
18:49 , Tom PlaceThe Metropolitan Police have confirmed that Parliament Square and Whitehall are both now largely clear of protesters.
Posting on X, the force said that the road will remain at least partially closed while infrastructure such as screens and the stage are removed.
They aim to have the road open as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Unite the Kingdom protest ends
18:32 , Tom PlaceSpeeches at the Unite the Kingdom protest concluded with You’ll Never Walk Alone being performed to the crowd.
Speakers frequently criticised illegal immigration, with protest organiser Tommy Robison calling for a British version of US immigration agency ICE.
Many of those who addressed the crowds in Westminster also called for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign.
Numerous “unite the West” banners were placed along the march route by protest organisers.
'No licence to spread hate'
18:18 , Tom PlaceBefore today’s marches took place, Munira Wilson, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group of London MPs, told The Standard: “The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it is not a licence to spread hate.
"We cannot allow these marches to be hijacked by individuals engaging in vile antisemitic or anti-Muslim abuse or inciting violence."
The Twickenham MP added: "Public safety is paramount and we fully support the police taking the strongest possible action to keep the community safe.”
Tommy Robinson thanks police at end of Unite the Kingdom rally
18:01 , Shaun WilsonThe Unite the Kingdom rally ended with Tommy Robinson thanking the Metropolitan Police, asking the crowds to “show them some respect” and telling those watching “be safe on your way home”.
Nakba protest 'has concluded' says Met Police
17:59 , Shaun WilsonThe Nakba march has already concluded, according to the Met Police, and protesters have left the area. Meanwhile, the Unite the Kingdom rally is expected to disperse shortly.
The Met wrote on X: “The Nakba protest has concluded and all participants have left the area. The Unite the Kingdom protest is due to conclude imminently.”
Unite the Kingdom draws to close 'without significant incident'
17:49 , Shaun WilsonThe Unite the Kingdom rally drew to a close in Parliament Square this afternoon “without significant incident” according to police, with just 31 arrests made across the day including the separate Nakba march.
Tommy Robinson was joined on stage by speakers such as Laurence Fox and Ant Middleton as he urged attendees to join political parties and referred to the 2029 general election as the “Battle for Britain”.
Polish politician Dominik Tarczynski, who claimed to have been banned by Sir Keir Starmer from entering the UK ahead of the Unite the Kingdom rally, appeared on stage via video link.
He said: “He could ban me. He will not cancel you. And believe me, there will be a day I will be back.”
The day was generally considered peaceful by officers who marshalled along the route, with colourful Union Jack costumes and hoards of flag-waving crowds.
Richard the Lionheart protester says Starmer should be 'in the tower'
16:57 , Shaun WilsonA protester dressed up as King Richard the Lionheart turned up at today's Unite the Kingdom rally, saying Keir Starmer would be "locked up in the tower" if he was king.
The man said: "The government are useless and doing everything possible... he's a traitor! The bloke [Starmer] is a traitor. He should be locked up in the tower. He would be if I was king."
Tommy Robinson addresses crowds at Unite the Kingdom
16:50 , Shaun WilsonTommy Robinson was seen addressing crowds from the main stage at Parliament Square during today’s Unite the Kingdom rally.
Robinson referred to the next general election in 2029 as the “Battle for Britain”, as he urged attendees to get involved in politics.
He said: ““If we don’t send a message in our next election, if you don’t register to vote, if you don’t get involved, if you don’t become activists, we are going to lose our country forever.”
He added: “We have to get political, we have to get involved. I’m not going to tell you which political party you need to join. We’re a cultural movement. I’m going to tell you that you have to join a political party.
“I don’t care if it’s Reform, if it’s Advance, or it’s Restore, or it’s the Conservative Party. We have to locally get involved in politics.”
Corbyn says 'change in policy' needed
16:43 , Shaun WilsonFormer Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told supporters at the pro-Palestine rally in Pall Mall that Westminster needs a change in “policy” not “personalities”.
The Your Party co-founder, who was greeted by loud cheers from the crowd, said: “Whatever happens to Keir Starmer, I don’t know if he’s going to survive the coup, he should know about coups. I know about coups. I know what goes on.
“But I would say that if there’s to be a change, it’s got to be a change of policy, not the personalities.”
He added: “To those in Reform and the far right that do so much to attack us all and attack our communities, your hatred can succeed in dividing people, but your hatred will not build one council house, will not improve one hospital, will not teach one child, will not end somebody’s homeless life on the streets of London.
“The only thing that can change that is a change of economic, social, and international policy – that’s what brings us together.”
Met Police confirms 31 arrests over today's two rallies
16:30 , Shaun WilsonThe Met Police confirmed 31 arrests have been made so far across the Unite the Kingdom and Nakba rallies in central London.
Today’s Unite the Kingdom rally has just over an hour left for speeches and music until 5.30pm, when the crowds at Parliament Square will be given half an hour to disperse.
A clean-up operation is already underway, with bags of rubbish lining the parade route containing beer cans, bottles and coffee cups.
The Met Police stated on X: “The rallies for both protests are ongoing. There have so far been 31 arrests across the whole operation. We will provide a more detailed breakdown at the conclusion.
“While this may seem high, to this point both protests have proceeded largely without significant incident.”
Pro-Palestine rally claims it has outnumbered Unite the Kingdom
16:19 , Shaun WilsonOrganisers of the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally claim that “at least a quarter of a million people” attended their protest today, making it “10 times bigger” than the Unite the Kingdom demonstration.
Other estimates claim 50,000 protesters came out for Unite the Kingdom and 30,000 for Nakba, although as yet no conclusive statistics have been provided.
Tommy Robinson calls for medic to assist someone in crowd
16:08 , Matt WattsTommy Robinson asked for a medic’s assistance while gesturing towards the crowd at the Unite the Kingdom protest.
Mr Robinson was talking to demonstrators about a different matter when he suddenly said: “Get a medic – can we have a medic over here, please.”
He told the attendees that there’s “loads of medics”, adding: “We had six ambulances for today.”
Tommy Robinson leads chants in support of Donald Trump
15:57 , Matt WattsTommy Robinson led protesters in chants of support for Elon Musk at the Unite the Kingdom protest.
Thousands of protesters chanted “Elon” and applauded the tech billionaire after he was praised by Robinson.
Addressing the protest in Parliament Square, Robinson, who also praised murdered US activist Charlie Kirk, said: “None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for one man.
“Thank you Elon on behalf of Great Britain.”
The crowd also chanted Robinson’s name.
At one point US President Donald Trump was shown on screen and chants of USA were heard.
Organiser of Nakba rally claims attendees outnumber Tommy Robinson march
15:50 , Matt WattsAn organiser of the Nakba Day pro-Palestine rally said its attendees have outnumbered those at Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom protest.
Joint secretary of Stand Up To Racism Sabby Dhalu said the protest is “much bigger” than the demonstration in Parliament Square, and warned the crowd should not to attempt to leave the rally early for “safety reasons”.
No official figures have yet been released for how many people are estimated to have attended each march
Diane Abbott attacks 'common enemy' of the far-right
15:35 , Matt WattsMP Diane Abbott told those gathered at a pro-Palestine march that they are “paving the way for a new kind of politics”.
Speaking at a rally in Pall Mall, she said: “The people who have organised these demos, stewarded them, and above all, the people who have gone on these demos, have helped to change British politics by opposing genocide.
“You have exposed the character of the forces that dominate our politics, and you are paving a way for a new kind of politics, day after day, year after year.”
The former Labour MP added that those gathered face a “common enemy” in the “far right”.
She said: “They are viciously right-wing, viciously racist, they are anti-black, anti-Muslim, and viciously antisemitic.
“We have to come together… to fight the racists, to fight the fascists, to fight the antisemites.
“But we will come together, we will support each other. We are going to move forward and ultimately we will triumph.”
Thousands hit Parliament Square for Unite Kingdom speeches
15:32 , Shaun WilsonProtesters at the Unite the Kingdom rally were spotted dressed as knights and setting off flares as they congregated after today’s march.
Tens of thousands of people are listening to speeches in Parliament Square for the protest organised by Tommy Robinson, with speakers including Laurence Fox and Ant Middleton.
Mother of woman killed by asylum seeker addresses Unite the Kingdom
15:21 , Shaun WilsonSiobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon Whyte, 27, who was murdered by a Sudanese asylum seeker in Walsall in October 2024, told the Unite the Kingdom protest that Sir Keir Starmer “failed my daughter”.
She said: “Keir Starmer, where do I even begin to discuss this abhorrent excuse of a leader of our country? He has failed us. He has failed my daughter, Rhiannon.
“I believe she will still be alive today if this disgusting excuse of a man had not been in control.”
Police clarify details of first two arrests at Unite the Kingdom
15:16 , Shaun WilsonThe Metropolitan Police has clarified details of an arrest made earlier in London on Saturday.
The force previously said two people who had arrived at Euston Station to attend the Unite the Kingdom protest were arrested in connection with an incident in Birmingham where a man was run over.
The force has now clarified only one of those arrested was in connection the Birmingham incident while the other was wanted for a separate offence which involved encouraging people to attack a police officer.
Ant Middleton shares mayor goals at Unite the Kingdom protest
15:07 , Shaun WilsonTelevision personality Ant Middleton, who is running to be mayor of London, told the Unite the Kingdom protest via video link from Everest base camp that he will be an “action man mayor”.
Middleton, 45, is a former UK Special Forces soldier who is best known as the former chief instructor on the Channel 4 television series SAS: Who Dares Wins from 2015 to 2021.
He said: “When people vote me in for mayor of London, and when I become mayor of London, I will be the action man mayor.
“I will be on the streets of London on a weekly basis with the people, with the victims, I will turn up, you’ve heard this right here in front of millions in London, right now, from Everest base camp.
“I will turn up to every fatal stabbing that happens in my city, and what I mean by that is every fatal stabbing that happens, I will turn up and I will hold people accountable.
“I will hold the certain borough that it happens, I will hold the police HQ accountable, I will hold councillors accountable, I will force them to communicate and I will put them on a strike system, because no one is held accountable.”
Labour MP addresses Nakba marchers
15:03 , Shaun WilsonLabour MP Apsana Begum told Pro-Palestine protesters gathered in Pall Mall that the movement will not be divided by the “far right”.
Speaking to demonstrators at the rally, Ms Begum said: “We know that the far right marches because our solidarity with the Palestinian people threatens their cause… the one which is based on intolerance, hatred, and division.
“But today, we march, Muslims, Jews, Christians, people of all faiths and none, from all ages, from all ethnic backgrounds, bound by our shared humanity and our just purpose.
“We will not be divided by the far right.
“We will not be silenced by any government, and we will not go quietly while crimes against humanity continue and are committed with impunity.”
Police pour out beer cans at Unite the Kingdom protest
14:56 , Shaun WilsonPolice outside Westminster have been spotted confiscating beer cans from Unite the Kingdom protesters and pouring their contents down the drain.
A female counter-protester bore a sign ‘Elites are the enemy’ and revealed another one which read ‘No pride in hatred’. She was escorted away by officers.
A policeman told the Standard that there had been “no bother so far”.
Unite the Kingdom protest lavishes praise Donald Trump
14:40 , Shaun WilsonProtesters are listening to speeches in Parliament Square for the Unite the Kingdom rally organised by Tommy Robinson.
Laurence Fox was among those to address tens of thousands of attendees who marched through central London along Whitehall to Parliament Square.
Many families with children were in the audience, as speakers frequently praised US President Donald Trump and criticised Sir Keir Starmer.
Green councillor says it's important British people 'show solidarity' with Palestine
14:35 , Shaun WilsonSheffield Green councillor Alexi Dimond was part of a "large contingent" who came to London for the Nakba march.
He told The Standard: "I think it's really important that we as British people come out and show our solidarity with Palestine, especially in light of the genocide that's been going on for the last nearly three years since October 2023.
"The message is we will continue protesting, standing in solidarity with the Palestinians, and that we must have equal rights and justice for everyone that lives in historic Palestine."
Jewish protesters back pro-Palestine Nakba march
14:30 , Shaun WilsonA number of Jewish protesters stood alongside the Nakba protest, waving banners against the Israeli government.
Banners stated: “Jews worldwide condemn unending Israeli brutality” and “Judaism and Zionism are diametrically opposed”.
Cheers rang out amid chants of “End Apartheid” alongside “Free Palestine”. Another loud chant went as follows: “1, 2, 3, 4, occupation no more, 5, 6, 7, 8, Israel is a terror state”.
'There's a genocide taking place'
14:19 , Shaun WilsonSophia, marching with Women Against The Far Right, said: "I'm here today because firstly I care about Palestinian justice. I think there's a genocide taking place.
"But I'm also here because Tommy Robinson is marching down the road and I'm an anti-fascist, I'm an anti-Zionist and I'm an anti-racist. Why wouldn't I be here?"
'We are going to lose our country forever'
14:09 , Shaun WilsonTommy Robinson called for crowds gathered for his Unite the Kingdom protest to locally get involved in politics.
He said from the stage: “Are you ready for the battle of Britain? 2029 we have an election. We’re not asking anyone to go out and fight, but this is the most important moment in our generation.
“If we don’t send a message in our next election, if you don’t register to vote, if you don’t get involved, if you don’t become activists, we are going to lose our country forever.”
He added: “We have to get political, we have to get involved. I’m not going to tell you which political party you need to join. We’re a cultural movement. I’m going to tell you that you have to join a political party. I don’t care if it’s Reform, if it’s Advance, or it’s Restore, or it’s the Conservative Party. We have to locally get involved in politics.”
Thousands come out to oppose Tommy Robinson march
14:05 , Shaun WilsonIn South Kensington, thousands have turned out to oppose Tommy Robinson’s Unite The Kingdom rally.
Marching to a loud drum beat, demonstrators shouted “we will smash the far right” and carried placards featuring photos of the activist with the slogan: “Stop Islamophobia. Stop the far right.”
Before the march began, organisers led chants of “f*** Tommy Robinson”, and “f*** the far right”.
One protester carried a St George’s Cross designed to look like it had been splattered with blood.
Written on it was the phrase: “Stop pretending that your racism is patriotism.” Another carried a St George’s Cross which simply bore the words, “have a heart”.
'Shame on you!' Marchers shout at pro-Israeli counter protesters
13:56 , Shaun WilsonThere were cries of “shame on you!” as pro-Palestine marchers encountered pro-Israeli campaigners standing behind a police barricade.
The Nakba march has been passing through Knightsbridge, when marchers came across counter demonstrators waving Israeli flags while standing behind a row of police officers.
Amid chants of “Zionists are not welcome here” and “The people united will never be defeated”, several of the Nakba marchers took aim at those waving Israeli flags and shouted: “Shame on you!”
Tommy Robinson seeks 'to build a fascist street movement' says counter protester
13:41 , Shaun WilsonCam, a member of Stand Up to Racism, said: "I'm here today as part of the counter demo against Tommy Robinson and to commemorate Nakba Day.
"Tommy Robinson hosts rallies in London in order to build ideas and build a fascist street movement which targets migrants, Muslims and refugees. it's very important that we counter these horrendous hate marches that he creates.
"We can see based on his march of the 27th July where they outnumbered our counter-demo by 20,000 to 5,000."
Cam accused the activists of carrying out "pogroms" a week later in Southport and Rotherham, which "resulted in violence against migrants, Muslims and refugees".
'Overcrowding' at South Kensington Tube Station as Nakba march heads off
13:32 , Shaun WilsonSeveral trains are not stopping at South Kensington Tube Station due to overcrowding issues, as hundreds of protesters gathered for the Nakba 78th anniversary march nearby.
The Met Police states: “Due to overcrowding issues at South Kensington Underground Station, some trains are not stopping while BTP and TfL colleagues deal with the situation.”
11 arrests so far
13:23 , Shaun WilsonThe Met Police states that 11 arrest have been made so far for “a variety of offences” including two activists arrested outside Euston Station over an unrelated matter.
The force wrote on X: “As of 1pm there had been 11 arrests for a variety of offences, including the two referenced earlier. Both marches are now underway heading along their agreed routes.”
Nakba march sets off from South Kensington
13:13 , Shaun WilsonHundreds of protesters marching in a pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally have set off from South Kensington.
Many carry placards bearing slogans such as “Nurses Not Nukes”, “Free Palestine”, “There are many more of us than you” and “Stop Arming Israel”.
Several chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “from the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever”.
Thousands march in Unite the Kingdom rally
13:00 , Shaun WilsonTens of thousands of protesters have gathered in central London for the Unite the Kingdom protest organised by Tommy Robinson.
Many protesters were decked in Union flags, while others carried the flag of opposition to the Iranian regime.
There were loud chants insulting Sir Keir Starmer, as protesters gathered on Kingsway in central London ahead of the march.
Some protesters at the front of the march are carrying wooden crosses and chanted “Christ is king”, while others threw beach balls and drank cans of alcohol as they waited for the protest to begin.
Footage shows protesters' fury as two men arrested
12:54 , Shaun WilsonFootage showed protesters furiously shouting insults at the police as two men attending the Unite the Kingdom rally were arrested outside Euston Station.
A clip online showed one of the men being dragged away by officers from the throngs of people outside the station, while activists nearby shouted at police - demanding to know the reason for the arrests.
The Met Police later posted on X that the arrests were linked to an unrelated allegation of GBH in Birmingham.
The force wrote: “Two men, wanted on suspicion of GBH following an incident in Birmingham where a man was run over, were spotted arriving into London to attend the UTK protest.”
Woman arrested at Pro-Palestine march
12:38 , Shaun WilsonA woman has been arrested after she appeared to refuse to remove a fabric face mask she was wearing at a pro-Palestine protest forming up in South Kensington.
She was part of a group of protesters who were all asked to remove fabric and surgical face coverings.
A separate group, who were wearing orange jumpsuits with masks over their faces bearing a photo of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, were also asked to remove their masks.
Police operation 'unprecedented' at Tommy Robinson march
12:34 , Shaun WilsonThousands of protesters have gathered in central London for Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march.
Chants of “Keir Starmer’s a w*****” and “we want Starmer out” could be heard while dozens of Union flags were held in the air.
Today’s Met Police operation has been described as “unprecedented”.
Colour banners waved at Unite the Kingdom rally
12:23 , Shaun WilsonColourful signs and banners are being proudly waved at today’s Unite the Kingdom protest, among them signs reading ‘God Bless Donald Trump’ and ‘Leave Our Kids Alone’.
Several protesters at the Unite the Kingdom rally have spotted urinating, but most appear to be sticking with crowds, waving banners and chanting.
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'We're not racist' say Unite the Kingdom protesters
12:15 , Shaun WilsonTony and Ricky have come from the Isle of Wight specifically for the rally, as they did last year.
Tony said that he's not happy with illegal immigration, specifically the migrant hotels - and wants anyone who is here illegally gone.
Ricky said he has struggled to get doctors and dentists appointments as there are too many people here.
He doesn't like being called racist, and says "this many people can't be wrong".
'From the river to the sea' chanted at Nakba protest
12:13 , Shaun WilsonA large group of protesters carrying banners and placards reading “Bristol stands with Palestine”, “Stop Trump, Stop Farage”, and “Free Palestinian Hostages” have gathered in Exhibition Road, South Kensington.
With many wearing keffiyehs and carrying Palestine flags, they chanted: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Several police officers are patrolling the street, many stationed outside the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.
Further down the road, demonstrators chanted “free, free Palestine” to a loud drumbeat.
Passing through the Nakba Day thing in central London pic.twitter.com/mPURk982JT
— lee harpin (@lmharpin) May 16, 2026
Unite the Kingdom protesters arrested over 'unrelated incident'
12:06 , Shaun WilsonThe Metropolitan Police said it had made two arrests at Euston Station of two people who had arrived for the Unite the Kingdom protest over an unrelated incident in Birmingham.
The force said: “Officers have made two arrests in the vicinity of Euston station.
“Two men, wanted on suspicion of GBH following an incident in Birmingham where a man was run over, were spotted arriving into London to attend the UTK protest.”
Protesters gather for Nakba protest
11:58 , Shaun WilsonProtesters have gathered in Exhibition Road in South Kensington for the Nakba Day pro-Palestine demonstration.
Three Kent Police cars are nearby while four Metropolitan Police vans are stationed opposite the Natural History Museum.
Staff outside museums in the area are marshalling visitors as they attempt to make their way through the crowds of demonstrators and street sellers.
Marquees have been set up by several groups, including the pro-Palestine Friends of Al-Aqsa, which has brought a giant inflatable watermelon – a symbol often used to represent the colours of the Palestinian flag.
Protesters have been invited to pick up placards bearing slogans including “Freedom for Palestine”, “Stop Starving Gaza” and “Stop Trump’s Wars”.
'People are fed up with the way things are'
11:53 , Shaun WilsonBob came all the way from Nottingham for the Unite the Kingdom March today.
He said that's he's seen too many protest taking place in London that are hostile to British interests.
He wants the march to send a message that people are fed up with the way things are.
Crowds swell at Unite the Kingdom protest
11:48 , Shaun WilsonUnite the Kingdom protesters have already begun chants, with one taking aim at Keir Starmer. Many of those at today’s rally are waving Union Jack and England flags.
Crowds are beginning to swell, with some protesters wearing costumes and flags being sold in the street
Crowds gather for Unite the Kingdom rally
11:40 , Shaun WilsonCrowds have gathered for the Unite the Kingdom march, many waving Union flags, while protesters in South Kensington are carrying Palestine flags and signs reading “smash the far right” for the pro-Palestine rally.
Mr Robinson posted on X on Saturday morning saying “today, we Unite The Kingdom and the West in the greatest patriotic display the world has ever seen”.
Meanwhile, Daniel Kebede, National Education Union general secretary, said “we’re marching today to show that we will not allow Tommy Robinson and the far right to divide our communities”.
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co-convener, said: "Violence broke out the last time Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom demonstration mobilised what was one of the largest far-right street demonstrations in recent British history.
"This comes amid wider attempts by figures such as Elon Musk to amplify far-right narratives and encourage political instability.
"The far right is attempting to exploit the cost-of-living crisis by stirring up racism and falsely blaming migrants and refugees for people’s hardships in order to build a dangerous street movement.
"History shows where this kind of politics can lead.
"That is why tens of thousands of people will mobilise today to oppose racism and the far right, and to demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of people in Britain reject hate and division."
David Lammy says authorities will 'act swiftly' if protest turns violent
11:37 , Shaun WilsonJustice Secretary David Lammy said authorities would act “swiftly” if protests in London turned violent on Saturday.
In a post on X, he said: “The Unite the Kingdom march organisers are spreading hatred and division. They do not reflect the Britain I’m proud of. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and one I will always protect.
“But if protest turns violent, we will act swiftly, with extra court capacity in place.”
The Unite the Kingdom march organisers are spreading hatred and division. They do not reflect the Britain I’m proud of.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 16, 2026
Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and one I will always protect. But if protest turns violent, we will act swiftly, with extra court capacity in place.
Central London MP vows 'we will not be divided by hatred'
11:34 , Shaun WilsonRachel Blake, Labour MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, has warned of the concerns of local people about the two marches.
She posted on X: "Communities in the Cities of London and Westminster will be profoundly concerned about the marches taking place today.
"We will not be divided by hatred.
"I am in direct contact with the police and community leaders. Our safety and security is the priority."
Communities in the Cities of London and Westminster will be profoundly concerned about the marches taking place today.
— Rachel Blake (@RNBlake) May 16, 2026
We will not be divided by hatred.
I am in direct contact with the police and community leaders. Our safety and security is the priority.
Thousands of Unite the Kingdom protesters descend on London
11:31 , Shaun WilsonProtesters are starting to descend on central London ahead of today’s planned Unite the Kingdom and Nakba 78 marches.
Police presence increases in central London
11:27 , Shaun WilsonThe police presence is increasing in central London, with scores of vans and police vehicles spotted along the planned routes.
Treasury minister tears into Unite the Kingdom march
11:23 , Shaun WilsonTreasury minister Torsten Bell has torn into the Unite the Kingdom march expected to be led by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Mr Bell, MP for Swansea West, messaged on X: "People march for many reasons.
"But those leading today’s march hate Britain.
"Hate our diverse country.
"Hate even more the fact that far right, bot fuelled social media clicks are not enough to overcome the reality of a decent country that knows a racist grifter when they see one."
Crowds gather in South Kensington
11:14 , Shaun WilsonCrowds have started to gather in South Kensington ahead of a pro-Palestine counter-protest against far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally.
Both marches will take place in central London today amid what police have described as an “unprecedented” security operation.
In Exhibition Road, which houses entrances to the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum, protesters are carrying Palestine flags and signs reading “smash the far right”.
South Western Railway warns services 'will be very busy'
11:11 , Shaun WilsonSouth Western Railway has issued a warning about trains, stations and other public transport "likely to be very busy" due to the planned protests on FA Cup Final day.
It suggested that passengers allow "extra time" for their journeys.
The rail firm posted on X: "Heading into or through London on Saturday 16 May?
"Planned protests in central London mean that trains, stations and other public transport are expected to be very busy, with road closures and bus diversions in place. In addition, the West Coast Main Line is likely to be busy with football fans travelling to the FA Cup final.
“Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey across London."
Protest group co-founder 'doesn't think "Globalise the Intifada" is offensive'
11:08 , Shaun WilsonJohn Rees, co-founder of the Stop the War Coalition which is one of the organisers of the Nakba Day march in London, is not discouraging protestors from chanting "Globalise the Intifada".
The Met Police has warned that demonstrators who use the words will face arrest.
Mr Rees stressed that "Globalise the Intifada" had never been an "official slogan, not on the front banner, not behind the stage" of the pro-Palestinian rallies.
Asked on BBC radio if he did not want people to chant the phrase, he responded: "No, I don't, because I don't actually think that it's offensive.
"I think that the dictionary definition of that term, that it's an uprising."
Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley has emphasised that the context in which these phrases, which offend many Jewish people, are used has changed following the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia, and attacks on the Jewish community in north London.
The Crown Prosecution Service has also issued new legal guidance on the use of offensive banners, slogans, chants or symbols to recognise the changing context and increase in hate crime attacks ahead of the planned protests in London this weekend.
Protest routes, timings and restrictions
11:02 , Shaun WilsonThe Met Police is launching an unprecedented operation to stop violence and hate speech erupting in London at two marches on FA Cup Final day.
The rallies for Unite the Kingdom and Nakba 78 have been authorised to go ahead with separate routes in hopes that protesters don’t clash. Find out everything about the march arrangements here.
Jeremy Corbyn, John McDonnell and Diane Abbott to join Nakba march
10:28 , Shaun WilsonFormer Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will join John McDonnell and Diane Abbott in today’s march to commemorate the Palestinian Nakba.
Corbyn said: “It’s very important that we understand and remember the brutal history of the way the Palestinian people have been treated by the British before the Nakba...”
✊ Tomorrow we MARCH!
— Palestine Solidarity Campaign (@PSCupdates) May 15, 2026
We need to be on the streets of London in our hundreds of thousands. For Palestine. Against the far right.
Join us!@HackneyAbbott@johnmcdonnellMP@jeremycorbyn pic.twitter.com/qi76Gv5cL6
CPS issues new guidance on hate speech
10:07 , Shaun WilsonThe Crown Prosecution Service outlines details of crackdown on hate speech.
It said: "Prosecutors have been issued new legal guidance on the use of offensive banners, slogans, chants or symbols to recognise the changing context and increase in hate crime attacks ahead of significant planned protests in London this weekend."
Prosecutors have been issued new legal guidance on the use of offensive banners, slogans, chants or symbols to recognise the changing context and increase in increase in hate crime attacks ahead of significant planned protests in London this weekend.https://t.co/ZOm1GDf260 pic.twitter.com/aXKxSWpry7
— Crown Prosecution Service (@CPSUK) May 15, 2026
PM accuses Unite the Kingdom march of 'peddling hatred and division'
09:55 , Shaun WilsonSir Keir Starmer made a pointed criticism of the Unite the Kingdom march on X, accusing organisers of ‘peddling hatred and division’.
The Prime Minister’s message led to backlash from the president of Westminster Synagogue for focusing warnings solely against the Unite the Kingdom march rather than the Nakba 78 protest.
I’ll always champion peaceful protest. But the Unite the Kingdom march organisers are peddling hatred and division.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 15, 2026
We’ve already blocked visas for far-right agitators who want to come here to spew their extremist views.
They don't speak for the decent, fair, respectful Britain… pic.twitter.com/hdu8kgxHFp
What protests are happening in London this weekend?
09:35 , Shaun WilsonTwo major demonstrations are set to hit London’s streets this Saturday, on the same day as the FA Cup Final takes place at Wembley Stadium.
Ahead of the first march at 12pm, our explainer tells you everything you need to know about the two marches taking place today.
'We will never be divided,' vows Sadiq Khan
09:19 , Shaun WilsonSir Sadiq Khan has stressed the unity and social cohesion in London ahead of the Unite the Kingdom rally expected to be led by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Police are braced for violence erupting, potentially fuelled by football hooligans.
Around 4,000 officers are part of a huge public order operation involving armoured vehicles, armed police teams, helicopters, drones, dog teams, mounted police, and live facial recognition.
The Mayor of London posted on X: "One city. 9 million people. All of us Londoners. We will never be divided."
One city. 9 million people. All of us Londoners. We will never be divided. pic.twitter.com/CnM1wOwFQe
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) May 16, 2026
London synagogue president criticises Keir Starmer for focusing warnings on Unite the Kingdom march
09:00 , Matt WattsSir Keir Starmer has been criticised by the president of Westminster Synagogue for focusing warnings against the Unite the Kingdom march rather than the Nakba 78 protest.
Lord Howard Leigh also stressed how Jewish worshippers will have to cross through the rally expected to be led by Tommy Robinson after leaving the synagogue due to road restrictions.
He told Times Radio: "I'm saying it's somewhat disappointing that the Prime Minister chose to not just release a speech, but release a video of his concerns about one unpleasant and violent march, but didn't mention at all the many concerns of many of us about the other march, and that is disproportionate, and goes back to our concerns about the two-tier approach."
The police are doing their best."
After a visit with London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to the Met Police’s Command and Control Special Operations Room in Lambeth, Sir Keir said: “We’re in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against."
Home Secretary says there will be 'zero tolerance' of hate speech
08:54 , Matt WattsHome Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said anyone spreading hate or committing acts of violence will face the “full force of the law”.
She said: “Ahead of the expected protests in London this weekend, I want to thank the thousands of officers who will be on duty keeping our capital safe.
“Following direct talks with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, I am confident that robust plans are in place, backed by specialist resources and a zero-tolerance approach to hate.
“The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. But anyone spreading hate or committing acts of violence will face the full force of the law. The police will be able to deploy a strong range of powers to keep people safe.”
'Don't chant Globalise the Intifada,' Nakba 78 march orgainser urges demonstrators
08:48 , Matt WattsOne of the organisers of the Nakba 78 rally has urged people taking part in the march not to shout "Globalise the Intifiada".
The Met Police is to impose an unprecedented crackdown on antisemitism and other hate speech at marches in London this weekend.
Peter Leary, deputy director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: “The police have said that they are going to arrest people if they use the phrase Globalize the Intifada.
"So, you know, if you're asking me, would I encourage people to come on a march to say things that the police have said they're going to be arrested for? Of course not."
But he heavily criticised Scotland Yard which, in co-ordination with the Crown Prosecution Service and Government, has toughen its policing of antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other hate offences.
He told Times Radio: “The word Intifada is an Arabic word, it means uprising. “It's been used in a wide variety of contexts, including to describe some of the uprisings that we know collectively as the Arab Spring, and what the police are saying is that if I go on a march today and I call for an uprising, that's grand, but if a Palestinian on their national day uses the same word in their own language, they're liable to be arrested.
“I think that is a disgraceful attitude of the Metropolitan Police to take to London's diverse communities.”
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has stressed that the context in which these phrases are used has changed following the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney, Australia, and attacks on the Jewish community in north London.
'Unprecedented' police operation expected in London today
08:33 , Matt WattsAround 4,000 officers are expected to be on duty in London on Saturday, as the Met polices not only the two marches but the FA Cup final taking place at Wembley.
Around 660 officers are being drafted in from forces outside the Met.
Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters will be deployed along with thousands of officers as the Met aims to avoid clashes between Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march and the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the policing operation will cost the force £4.5 million, with £1.7 million being used on bringing in officers from other forces to boost numbers.
Live facial recognition will also be used for the first time by Scotland Yard during a public order operation, though not on march routes.
It will be deployed at a location in Camden borough to target criminals and suspected offenders on a “watch list” if they take part in the Unite the Kingdom march which is expected to be led by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Our Chief Reporter Nicholas Cecil provides full details of the police operation in his report on the security operation.
What marches are taking place, and when and where are they?
08:25 , Matt WattsThe two major protests will both be taking place in central London.
The annual pro-Palestine "Nakba Day" march will travel from Exhibition Road, south Kensington, to a rally at Waterloo Place, while a separate Unite the Kingdom march, organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, will travel from Kingsway, Holborn, to a rally at Parliament Square.
Unite the Kingdom protesters are expected to gather from 11am while the Nakba 78 march is due to begin at midday.
Welcome to our coverage of the London protests
08:15 , Matt WattsGood morning and welcomes to our coverage of two huge marches that are taking place in central London today.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on the capital on Saturday for the two major demonstrations amid a huge £4.5 million police operation.
Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters will be deployed along with thousands of officers as the Met aims to avoid clashes between Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march and the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally.
Stay with us for full coverage through the day.
