Dozens of arrests were made across central London yesterday as tens of thousands descended on the capital for rival demonstrations that brought the heart of the city to a standstill.
A 'Unite the Kingdom' rally organised by Tommy Robinson clashed with multiple counter-protests, forcing the Metropolitan Police to deploy hundreds of officers across Parliament Square and Whitehall. The force confirmed arrests for public order offences and assault as they worked to keep opposing groups apart.
Robinson's event drew supporters voicing concerns over immigration and national identity, whilst a coalition of anti-racism and anti-fascist groups mounted counter-demonstrations promoting diversity and inclusion. The opposing rallies reflected deep divisions within British communities over these contentious issues.
Major transport disruption followed, with roads closed for several hours and commuters forced to find alternative routes. Buses were diverted and Tube stations experienced severe overcrowding as demonstrators filled the streets around Westminster.
Whilst most protesters remained peaceful, the scale of the operation underscored the challenge facing police when managing large-scale ideologically opposed gatherings. The demonstrations concluded by late afternoon, though officers continued monitoring as crowds dispersed across the capital.