A massive march organised in London by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people on Saturday and turned violent as some supporters clashed with police separating them from counterprotesters. The demonstration, branded “Unite the Kingdom,” quickly escalated when bottles were thrown and officers were punched and kicked.

The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured, including four seriously, with injuries ranging from broken teeth and a possible broken nose to concussion and spinal damage. At least 25 people were arrested for violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage. More than 1,000 officers had been deployed, reinforced by riot units after cordons were nearly breached.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the violence, noting that while many attended lawfully, “there were many who came intent on violence.”

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a founder of the nationalist English Defence League and a leading figure of Britain’s far right. He addressed the crowd hoarsely, claiming migrants enjoyed greater rights than the “British public.”

The rally attracted international figures. Far-right French politician Eric Zemmour spoke of a “great replacement,” while Elon Musk appeared by video, warning that “massive uncontrolled migration” was eroding Britain’s identity.

Participants waved Union Jacks and St George’s flags, chanting “we want our country back” and holding placards reading “stop the boats” and “save our children.” Counterprotesters, numbering about 5,000, rallied under the banner “March Against Fascism,” chanting “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.”

The rival demonstrations reflected Britain’s growing divide over migration, inflamed by Channel crossings and recent anti-migrant protests outside asylum-seeker hotels.

Despite the large turnout, the march fell short of last year’s 300,000-strong pro-Palestinian rally, but it underscored how polarised the country remains on immigration and national identity.

A massive march organised in London by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people on Saturday and turned violent as some supporters clashed with police separating them from counterprotesters. The demonstration, branded “Unite the Kingdom,” quickly escalated when bottles were thrown and officers were punched and kicked.

The Metropolitan Police said 26 officers were injured, including four seriously, with injuries ranging from broken teeth and a possible broken nose to concussion and spinal damage. At least 25 people were arrested for violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage. More than 1,000 officers had been deployed, reinforced by riot units after cordons were nearly breached.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the violence, noting that while many attended lawfully, “there were many who came intent on violence.”

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a founder of the nationalist English Defence League and a leading figure of Britain’s far right. He addressed the crowd hoarsely, claiming migrants enjoyed greater rights than the “British public.”

The rally attracted international figures. Far-right French politician Eric Zemmour spoke of a “great replacement,” while Elon Musk appeared by video, warning that “massive uncontrolled migration” was eroding Britain’s identity.

Participants waved Union Jacks and St George’s flags, chanting “we want our country back” and holding placards reading “stop the boats” and “save our children.” Counterprotesters, numbering about 5,000, rallied under the banner “March Against Fascism,” chanting “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.”

The rival demonstrations reflected Britain’s growing divide over migration, inflamed by Channel crossings and recent anti-migrant protests outside asylum-seeker hotels.

Despite the large turnout, the march fell short of last year’s 300,000-strong pro-Palestinian rally, but it underscored how polarised the country remains on immigration and national identity.