Police have made a number of arrests after thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters gathered in central London for a protest.
Four people - two from the far-right march and two from the anti-racist counter-protest - were arrested on Saturday.
Officers from across the country were drafted in to support the Metropolitan Police as chants of “Oh Tommy, Tommy” and “We want Starmer out” were heard amongst ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ attendees.
Meanwhile, thousands of counter-protesters gathered at a march organised by Stand Up To Racism, which called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, missed his own planned march as he remains in police custody.
He is accused of being in contempt of court following the airing of a film at a protest in central London and after attending Folkestone Police station on Friday, he was separately charged with failing to provide his mobile phone Pin to police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Kent Police said.
Key points
- Four arrests made across protests
- Stand Up To Racism hails ‘awesome’ turnout at counter-protest
- Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters join march
Tommy Robinson to miss planned protest
Saturday 26 October 2024 00:01 , Independent ReportersRight-wing activist Tommy Robinson will miss his own planned march for thousands of people after being remanded into custody by police.
The 41-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is accused of being in contempt of court following the airing of a film at a protest in central London.
He attended Folkestone Police station on Friday where he was separately charged with failing to provide his mobile phone Pin to police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Kent Police said.
Who is Tommy Robinson: From apprentice aircraft engineer to right-wing activist
Saturday 26 October 2024 02:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson is an angry man: angry at Islam and migration into Britain, angry at the BBC and “mainstream media”. He claims to be angry over antisemitism. He’s often angry about the way police have treated him.
He’s confessed to wasting money on alcohol and partying while receiving thousands of pounds in donations; he’s been in court and in prison – and yet he has huge numbers of devoted followers online.
Robinson, who is one of the most provocative figures in the UK today, made his name – and a career – from being a right-wing activist.
Read the full article here:
Tommy Robinson: From apprentice aircraft engineer to right-wing activist
How Tommy Robinson gave away he was hiding at luxury Cyprus hotel while stoking UK riots
Saturday 26 October 2024 04:00 , Independent Reporters“My kids are crying,” wrote Tommy Robinson from a luxury five-star holiday resort after photographs emerged revealing he had been hiding out in Cyprus.
“We come (sic) here so I could spend some quality time with them. Now they are scared people are coming here to get them.”
The anti-Islam activist has been accused of stoking far-right riots across the UK from outside the country while holed up in the £400-a-night Mediterranean hotel.
Read the full article here:
How Tommy Robinson gave away he was hiding at luxury hotel while stoking UK riots
Tommy Robinson charged with terror offence after failing to provide phone password
Saturday 26 October 2024 07:00 , Independent Reporters
Met outline policing plans ahead of protest
Saturday 26 October 2024 07:32 , Independent ReportersThe Metropolitan Police have set out their plans ahead of planned demonstrations on Saturday.
Tommy Robinson will miss his own planned march - named ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ - after having been remanded in police custody on Friday.
This group are set to march from Victoria Station to the southern end of Whitehall, while a counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will march from Regent Street St James’s to the north end of Whitehall. Static rallies will take place at the end of both protest marches.
The force said there will be a significant policing presence ensuring that the two opposing groups are kept apart and pre-emptive conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen.
“We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.
“The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events.
“We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”
What marches are planned for today?
Saturday 26 October 2024 08:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson supporters are due to hold a demonstration on Saturday, which is expected to be met with a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism.
The march organised on behalf of Robinson - called ‘Unite the Kingdom’ - is due to march from Victoria station to the southern end of Whitehall, while the counter-protest will begin at Regent Street St James’s and finish at the north end of Whitehall.
Stand Up to Racism has called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
The Met said static rallies are expected at the end of both marches.
Maps of today’s opposing protests
Saturday 26 October 2024 08:30 , Independent Reporters
Recap: Tommy Robinson to miss own protest after being remanded into police custory
Saturday 26 October 2024 09:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson will miss his own planned protest in central London on Saturday after he was remanded into custody by police.
The 41-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is accused of being in contempt of court after the airing of a film at a protest in Trafalgar Square in July.
He attended Folkestone police station on Friday where he was separately charged with failing to provide his mobile phone access code to police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Kent Police said.
Robinson is due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday for a two-day hearing concerning allegations that he breached a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him.
It is understood the airing of a film, titled Silenced, at the Trafalgar Square demonstration is one of six actions alleged to have breached the injunction between June and July.
The film is also pinned to the top of his X account.
His supporters are due to hold a demonstration on Saturday, which is expected to be met with a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism.
What was Tommy Robinson charged with?
Saturday 26 October 2024 09:30 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson has been charged under terror laws after he surrendered to a Kent police station at 3pm on Friday.
Kent Police later confirmed he has been charged with failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act and has been bailed to appear in court next month.
The charge is in relation to an incident in Folkestone on 28 July after officers stopped him at the port.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 November in relation to that charge.
But the force confirmed he has been remanded in custody in relation a separate allegations of contempt of court, which he is due to face in a two-day hearing at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday. It is alleged he has repeated libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him.
Pictures from previous Tommy Robinson-led marches
Saturday 26 October 2024 10:00 , Independent Reporters
Met Police full statement ahead of planned protests
Saturday 26 October 2024 10:30 , Independent ReportersDeputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.“Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest.
“We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.
“We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.
“The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events.
“We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”
Full story: Tommy Robinson charged with terror offence after failing to provide phone password
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:00 , Independent ReportersRight-wing activist Tommy Robinson has been charged under terror laws after he surrendered to a Kent police station.
The 41-year-old was pictured arriving at Folkestone police station on Friday after telling his followers on X/Twitter that he expected to be arrested.
After arriving in a black Nissan Elgrand, he hugged supporters waiting outside for him who then cheered as he entered the police station at 3pm.
Kent Police later confirmed he has been charged with failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act and has been bailed to appear in court next month.
Read the full story here:
Tommy Robinson supporters begin to gather - without Robinson
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:08 , Independent ReportersPeople have begun gathering for Tommy Robinson’s far-right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march in Victoria, central London.
What appears to be hundreds of people - with many holding British or English flags - have congregated ahead of their planned march to Whitehall.
Robinson himself will not be present at the march after he was remanded in police custody on Friday.
Counter-protesters gather
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:15 , Independent ReportersAnti-racist counter-protesters have begun to gather as they prepare to oppose Tommy Robinson’s far-right march.
The counter-protest - organised by Stand Up to Racism - will begin at Regent Street St James’s and finish at the north end of Whitehall.
Stand Up to Racism called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
Scotland 🏴 arrives in London to tell Tommy Robinson and his thugs YOU ARE NOT WELCOME. #StopTheFarRight #TommyRobinsonOut#StandUpToRacism #oct26 @SUTRScotland @AntiRacismDay pic.twitter.com/zLtoLwUQhv
— Zamard Zahid 🧡 (@zamardzahid) October 26, 2024
Far-right chant ‘oh Tommy, Tommy'
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:20 , Independent ReportersHundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters are chanting “Oh Tommy, Tommy” and “We want Starmer out” ahead of the Unite The Kingdom rally.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is missing his own planned march after being remanded into custody by police on Friday.
Tommy Robinson's "Unite the Kingdom" protest moves onto the road outside Victoria, with some calling the start the march early pic.twitter.com/F9aM34cZq6
— Tke Media (@TkeMedia) October 26, 2024
Latest pictures from far-right rally
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:34 , Independent Reporters
March halted after setting off early
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:44 , Independent ReportersThe extremist far-right march has been halted temporarilynafter setting off over an hour early.
What appears to be hundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters gathered at Victoria Station on Saturday morning as they prepared to march to Whitehall at the given time of 1pm.
The start of the march was brought forward by the police to 12:30pm, however those in attendance began marching over an hour early.
They have now been halted down the road.
Assembly area moved after march set off early
Saturday 26 October 2024 11:50 , Independent ReportersThe assembly area of the far-right march has been adjusted after attendees set off from Victoria Station over an hour early.
The Met Police said: “The ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ march is forming up in Victoria Street. Working with the event organisers we have moved the forming up area north to the junction with Buckingham Gate to help keep the area around the station clear. The march will set off at 12.30pm.”
The ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ march is forming up in Victoria Street.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 26, 2024
Working with the event organisers we have moved the forming up area north to the junction with Buckingham Gate to help keep the area around the station clear. The march will set off at 12.30pm. pic.twitter.com/QVmBvxkARl
Pictures as far-right await beginning of march
Saturday 26 October 2024 12:10 , Independent Reporters
Counter-protest forming
Saturday 26 October 2024 12:17 , Independent ReportersThe Stand Up To Racism counter-protest is forming up in Regent Street St James’s.
The march is set to begin at 1pm, heading up and around Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and round into the top of Whitehall.
The Stand Up To Racism protest is forming up in Regent Street St James’s.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 26, 2024
They will set off at 1pm, heading up and around Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and round into the top of Whitehall. pic.twitter.com/zfUQLOFPi4
United Families and Friends Campaign march sets off on way to Downing Street
Saturday 26 October 2024 12:41 , Independent ReportersThe march from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street has now started.
The front of the group is holding a banner which reads: “United Families and Friends Campaign. No more deaths in custody”.
Activists are holding signs reading “No justice”, “no one forgotten, nothing forgiven” and “no to hatred, no to fascism”.
Protesters are also holding images of people they say died in custody.
Trafalgar Square #uffc pic.twitter.com/f3q4AUZ97j
— Greg McKenzie (@GregMcX1) October 26, 2024
Stand Up To Racism hails ‘awesome’ turnout
Saturday 26 October 2024 12:46 , Independent ReportersA counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism, has called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
Awesome turnout at the start of today's demo opposing Tommy Robinson's fascist mobilisation in central London! #StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/cweOkiN9c9
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) October 26, 2024
United Families and Friends Campaign speaker addresses crowd that is marching to Downing Street
Saturday 26 October 2024 12:59 , Independent ReportersAn activist has stressed to the crowd and press in central London that they are not here “just for the Kaba family”, but for all “grieving” families who are “bereaved at the hands of the state”.
She spoke of “collective grief”, “devastation” and “disappointment”, adding: “We have each other. We are strong. We are powerful.”
The speaker finished by leading a chant of “we believe that we will win” and “the people united will never be defeated”.
Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters have resumed their march
Saturday 26 October 2024 13:01 , Independent ReportersActivists have resumed their march towards Parliament Square in central London ahead of a rally.
Demonstrators at the front of the march are carrying a sign with “Two tier Keir fuelled the riots” written on it.
“Bring back Rwanda” and “Stop the Boats” placards were also hoisted by demonstrators – some of whom were drinking cans and glasses of alcohol.
Some appear to chant “Who the f*** is Allah?” and “We want Tommy out!”
Rock band performing for Tommy Robinson in middle of Parliament Square
Saturday 26 October 2024 13:13 , Independent ReportersThousands of supporters are being regaled by a rock cover of Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory in Parliament Square.
The singer barks at the end: “C’mon somebody celebrate this England, this Scotland, this Ireland this Wales!”
“We shall never be moved!”
The crowd chant “Oh Tommy, Tommy!” and “We want Starmer out!”
The singer urges the crowd to high five eachother before shouting “All British lives matter.”
Freedom band singer thanks Jesus Christ for the life of Tommy Robinson
Saturday 26 October 2024 13:26 , Independent ReportersIntroducing a song called ‘Just one touch from the King, changes everything’, singer Rikky Doolan leading his Patriots Gospel Band launches into a passionate defence of the activist.
He tells the crowd gathering at Parliament Square: “Before I came to our lord Jesus Christ I was homeless on the streets of Manchester. But just one touch from him radicalised my life.
“And now I’m here with you. We thank that same Jesus Christ for the life of Tommy Robinson, we thank him for the heart, the spirit and the passion of that man.”
Tommy Robinson’s pal says he wants to be on march
Saturday 26 October 2024 13:50 , Chris StevensonA friend of Tommy Robinson who has claimed he was with the activist in Spain before his arrest has spoken of Robinson’s wish to be there with them.
Jumping on stage in Parliament Square to address thousands of Union Jack-clad supporters, he said: “What [Robinson] will also want is for everyone to play the game today and do it right. And when we leave after a glorious day we have to do it in mind that people are envious of us because we are all together as one.
“They will try to prod you and poke you and get a reaction from you. Don’t give them what they want. Don’t let the mainstream media report... one little misdemeanour tomorrow so all this goes to waste.”
Andrew Bridgen says 'Tommy Robinson is no terrorist’
Saturday 26 October 2024 14:02 , Independent ReportersFormer Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has told crowds of Tommy Robinson supporters the activist is not a terrorist after his arrest.
He asks the crowd to pray for the “right result” in the US election, before adding: “I’m so proud of you all. But we are all saddened at those that are missing our prayers and thoughts should be with Tommy Robinson and the family of Peter Lynch.
“Their suffering is a demonstration of the tyranny we are living under.“We know Tommy is not a terrorist and we know Peter was never a rioter. You can take a thousand of us and ten thousand will take our place.”
Far-right crowd watching new Tommy Robinson fronted documentary
Saturday 26 October 2024 14:33 , Independent ReportersThe crowd of far-right supporters are now watching a new Tommy Robinson documentary.
The documentary, called ‘Lawfare’, sees Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, talking in pre-recorded messages.
The programme is focused on what the far-right call ‘two-teir policing’ and the families of those jailed following the racist riots over the summer.
Thousands of counter-protesters reach Whitehall
Saturday 26 October 2024 14:46 , Independent ReportersThousands of anti-racist counter-protesters have now completed their march to Whitehall to oppose the far-right.
The protest was organised by Stand Up to Racism which called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
Thousands are now listening to speakers such as Diane Abbot MP.
On the other end of Whitehall, Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters have gathered.
📢London: Thousands fill Whitehall in demonstration against Tommy Robinson.
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) October 26, 2024
🔥Incredible turnout against fascism today. #StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/UGsS9iZdAi
Four arrests made across protests today
Saturday 26 October 2024 15:04 , Independent ReportersFour people - two from the far-right march and two from the anti-racist counter-protest - have been arrested so far today.
The Metropolitan Police said two people had been arrested at the ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ demonstration. One for a breach of the Public Order Act conditions in place and a breach of the peace, and one for a racially aggravated public order offence.
There was also a brief period of pushing and shoving near the Stand Up To Racism stage when officers intervened to arrest a woman for common assault.
A further arrest was made after an officer was assaulted when a group from the counter-demonstration tried to push through a cordon at the end of The Mall.
There was a brief period of pushing and shoving in Whitehall earlier when officers intervened near the Stand Up To Racism stage to arrest a woman for common assault. pic.twitter.com/LR1egprAwk
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 26, 2024
Third protest in London today
Saturday 26 October 2024 15:38 , Independent ReportersIn separate action, hundreds of people have gathered for a march in central London to protest over deaths in custody alongside the Justice for Chris Kaba campaign.
Activists gathered on the corner of Trafalgar Square and marched with United Families and Friends Campaign to Downing Street.
The campaign group supports the families of “loved ones lost at the hands of the state”.
Five family members – including one relative of Mr Kaba – arrived at Downing Street dressed in black with a hand-written note addressed to Sir Keir Starmer.
They knocked on the door and handed it to a security guard.
During the march, some people held signs reading “No justice”, “no one forgotten, nothing forgiven” and “no to hatred, no to fascism” – and others also held images of people they say died in custody.
Families and friends have marched for 25 years to demand justice for their loved ones affected by deaths in police, prison, immigration custody.
— Annu Mayor (@AnnuMayor) October 26, 2024
Now @UFFCampaign, Downing Street. pic.twitter.com/iRZ74wScQE
Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament joins anti-racism march
Saturday 26 October 2024 16:07 , Independent ReportersWe're here with Palestine bloc on huge demonstration against far right that's driving war and militarism #StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/wPhIbaGpIW
— Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (@CNDuk) October 26, 2024
Demonstrators lead counter-protest through London
Saturday 26 October 2024 16:44 , Independent Reporters
Thousands turn out to oppose Tommy Robinson-backed ‘Pro-UK’ rally
Saturday 26 October 2024 17:16 , Independent Reporters
Thousands turn out to oppose Tommy Robinson-backed ‘Pro-UK’ rally
Protester detained by police during counter march
Saturday 26 October 2024 17:46 , Independent Reporters
Stand up to Racism march comes to end - Met Police
Saturday 26 October 2024 18:18 , Independent ReportersThe Stand Up To Racism demonstration is coming to an end and most people have dispersed. The Uniting the Kingdom demonstration is ongoing.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 26, 2024
Officers continue to patrol the wider area to keep opposing groups apart and to intervene in the event of any incidents.
Woman arrested during march is released
Saturday 26 October 2024 18:57 , Independent ReportersA woman arrested earlier during the protests has been released.
A Met Police statement read: “The woman arrested for common assault earlier has been de-arrested. She agreed to provide her details, having initially refused to do so, meaning there was no longer a necessity for her arrest. An investigation will now follow.”
Tommy Robinson charged under terror laws
Saturday 26 October 2024 20:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson served new contempt of court notice via his X account
Saturday 26 October 2024 21:01 , Independent Reporters
Tommy Robinson served new contempt of court notice via his X account
Posts mentioning Tommy Robinson up 1,348% since rally and Southport
Saturday 26 October 2024 22:00 , Independent Reporters
Posts mentioning Tommy Robinson up 1,348% since rally and Southport stabbing
Half of voters think Farage is responsible for riots, poll reveals
Saturday 26 October 2024 23:00 , Independent Reporters
Half of voters think Reform leader Nigel Farage is responsible for riots, poll says
Thousands turn out to oppose Tommy Robinson-backed ‘Pro-UK’ rally
Sunday 27 October 2024 00:00 , Independent ReportersThousands turn out to oppose Tommy Robinson-backed ‘Pro-UK’ rally
How Tommy Robinson gave away he was hiding at luxury Cyprus hotel
01:00 , Independent ReportersHow Tommy Robinson gave away he was hiding at luxury hotel while stoking UK riots
Rapper denies sending ‘menacing’ video about Tommy Robinson
02:00 , Independent Reporters
Rapper Twista Cheese denies sending ‘menacing’ video about Tommy Robinson
Tommy Robinson: From apprentice engineer to right-wing activist
03:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson: From apprentice aircraft engineer to right-wing activist
Tommy Robinson charged under terror laws
04:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson served new contempt of court notice via his X account
05:00 , Independent ReportersTommy Robinson served new contempt of court notice via his X account
Posts mentioning Tommy Robinson up 1,348% since rally and Southport
06:00 , Independent ReportersPosts mentioning Tommy Robinson up 1,348% since rally and Southport stabbing
Watch: Thousands join extremist protest after Tommy Robinson charged with terror offence
08:44 , Athena StavrouRecap of yesterday’s events
09:45 , Athena StavrouThousands of Tommy Robinson supporters gathered in central London for a planned protest which the political activist missed after he was remanded into custody by police.
Demonstrators carried placards reading “Two tier Keir fuelled the riots” as they headed from Victoria station to Parliament Square on Saturday.
“Bring back Rwanda” and “Stop the Boats” signs were also hoisted by demonstrators – some of whom were drinking cans and glasses of alcohol.
Two arrests were made at the demonstration, one on suspicion of a breach of the Public Order Act conditions in place and an alleged breach of the peace, and one on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, the Metropolitan Police said.
A counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism also took place in the capital, with thousands joining after being urged to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
The counter demonstration heard from speakers including Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott plus trade union general secretaries.
Two arrests were made near the Stand Up to Racism protest – one woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault – who was later de-arrested, and another arrest was made after an officer was allegedly assaulted, the force added.
And one arrest was made on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after a racist remark was allegedly directed at an officer, with the Met saying it had not been confirmed which protest the person was attending.
Pictures from yesterday’s far-right rally
10:45 , Athena Stavrou
Round up of arrests made on Saturday
12:00 , Athena StavrouA number of arrests were made on Saturday as the far-right rallied in London and a counter-protest gathered in response.
Two arrests were made at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, one on suspicion of a breach of the Public Order Act conditions in place and an alleged breach of the peace, and one on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, the Metropolitan Police said.
Two arrests were made near the Stand Up to Racism protest – one woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault – who was later de-arrested, and another arrest was made after an officer was allegedly assaulted, the force added.
And one arrest was made on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after a racist remark was allegedly directed at an officer, with the Met saying it had not been confirmed which protest the person was attending.
