Over 100,000 rally against UK immigration, waving US and Israeli flags

The rally, which Robinson named, was promoted as a defense of free speech and included tributes to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on Thursday.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

More than 100,000 people marched through central London on Saturday in a protest organized by British immigration control activist Tommy Robinson.

Demonstrators carried the Union Jack and the red-and-white St. George’s Cross, while others waved American and Israeli flags or wore the red caps associated with US President Donald Trump.

The rally, which Robinson named “Unite the Kingdom,” was promoted as a defense of free speech and included tributes to American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead earlier this week.

Protesters chanted against Prime Minister Keir Starmer and carried signs with messages such as “send them home.”

By midday, tens of thousands filled the streets south of the Thames before moving toward Westminster.

“Hundreds of thousands already pack the streets of central London as we Unite as one for our freedoms,” Robinson wrote on X.

The activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, portrays himself as a journalist exposing government misconduct and has cultivated support from high-profile figures including US billionaire Elon Musk.

Britain’s Reform UK party, which has surged in polls, has sought to distance itself from him due to his criminal record.

London’s Metropolitan Police said more than 1,600 officers were deployed across the capital, including 500 drafted from outside forces.

Commander Clair Haynes, overseeing the operation, stressed that the police would act firmly if offenses occurred, but emphasized that Londoners should not feel compelled to stay home.

The march took place amid heightened tensions over immigration and free speech, issues now dominating Britain’s political debate.

This year alone, more than 28,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats.

Streets in many towns have been decorated with English flags, which supporters call expressions of pride but opponents say carry a hostile message toward foreigners.

The demonstration coincided with a counter-rally organized by Stand Up to Racism, attended by 5,000.