Nine People Arrested During Tommy Robinson Rally and Other Protests
Eight individuals were apprehended on suspicion of assault, while one person was detained for criminal damage and a racially aggravated public order offense.
A total of nine individuals were arrested on Saturday during a Tommy Robinson rally, a counter-protest, and a trans pride event, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.
Central London saw thousands marching on Saturday for a “Unite the Kingdom” rally, organized by Mr. Robinson, the founder and former leader of English Defence League, as a celebration of British identity.
In parallel, a counter-protest was organized by Stand Up To Racism and Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace & Justice Project, with the support of trade unions.
The Metropolitan Police deployed approximately 1,000 officers throughout the day to maintain peace and approved different routes to keep the opposing groups apart.
The day’s events were mostly peaceful, with a total of nine arrests made by the Met. Four arrests were made during the main rallies, four outside a pub post-rallies, and a member of the public was arrested at a separate trans pride event for assaulting a steward.
By 6 p.m. on Saturday, the Met had arrested two individuals for assault causing grievous bodily harm, one for criminal damage and a racially aggravated public order offense, and one for assaulting an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offense.
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In the evening, four more individuals were arrested outside a pub in Whitehall on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers after four officers were assaulted, with no serious injuries reported.
The Met highlighted ongoing investigations into videos containing “racist and anti-Muslim” language.
Participants in the “Unite the Kingdom” rally proudly displayed flags representing the Union, England, Scotland, and Wales.
Chants of “Rule Britannia,” “We want our country back,” and Mr. Robinson’s name echoed through the crowd.
One protester was seen waving an English flag atop a phone box, while others held signs reading “Not far right, just right.”
Counter rally demonstrators held placards denouncing racism and hatred and proclaimed, “We won’t be silent.”
Prior to the event, Mr. Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley Lennon, promised a historic patriotic rally in the UK.
In a separate message, he urged his followers to conduct themselves appropriately for a joyous celebration of British identity, while sending strong messages and emphasizing that the police should not be seen as adversaries.
This report includes contributions from PA Media.
