Anti-Immigration wave hits London

As anti-immigration sentiment spreads worldwide, following former US President Donald Trump’s hardline policies and rhetoric, the United Kingdom witnessed one of its largest nationalist protests in decades. Over 150,000 people gathered in central London on Saturday in a rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, demanding tougher action on migration.

The demonstration, branded “Unite the Kingdom” , saw protesters chant slogans such as “We want our country back” and “Stop the boats” , waving flags of London and UK. Organisers said the march was about “patriotism,” but the language of many banners and speeches echoed the controversial “great replacement” theory, warning of a cultural takeover by migrants.

Robinson declared the event an “awakening” , calling it the beginning of a “cultural revolution” in Britain. “This is the spark of a tidal wave of patriotism,” he told the cheering crowd.

The protest drew international figures: Tesla CEO Elon Musk, addressing the rally via video link, claimed migration was “destroying Britain” and warned, “Violence is coming whether you choose it or not.” French far-right politician Eric Zemmour also joined in, accusing Europe of being “colonised by its former colonies.”Clashes broke out in parts of London, with police officers injured. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed that anyone involved in violence would “face the full force of the law.”

Counter-protests organised by Stand Up To Racism drew about 5,000 demonstrators, with MP Diane Abbott declaring: “We will defeat the fascists.” Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to comment on the march, instead attending a football match with his son.The Metropolitan Police estimated the crowd at between 110,000 and 150,000, calling it one of the UK’s largest rallies in recent memory.