Carrying Union Jacks, St George’s crosses, and Christian symbols, Robinson’s followers marched across Westminster Bridge before gathering near Downing Street for a rally.
Huge Turnout
The Metropolitan Police estimated that around 110,000 people attended the event, with officers using CCTV and helicopter footage to assess the scale of the demonstration. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, declared:
“The silent majority will be silent no longer. Today is the spark of a cultural revolution.”
The 42-year-old, known for his anti-immigration and anti-Muslim rhetoric, has refashioned his message in recent years around claims that free speech is under attack in Britain.
Counter-Protest
Not far away, about 5,000 anti-racism campaigners gathered for a Stand Up to Racism march, led by Labour veteran Diane Abbott, who condemned Robinson’s message as “dangerous lies” about asylum seekers.
“We need to be in solidarity with asylum seekers, and we need to show unity,” she told reporters.
Voices from the Crowd
Supporters interviewed at the event voiced fears over immigration and restrictions on public debate.
Philip Dodge, 67, a retired baker from Sheffield, said he came because he was “concerned about freedom of speech.”
Ritchie, 28, insisted: “It’s an invasion… we want our country back,” hailing Robinson as “a hero.”
Placards bore slogans
such as “Stop the Boats” and “Britain for the British”, while some attendees held photos of US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this week.High-Profile Speakers
The rally featured speeches from far-right figures across Europe and North America. French politician Eric Zemmour, Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, German AfD lawmaker Petr Bystron, and reports of a video address from former Trump strategist Steve Bannon highlighted the international dimension.
Rising Tensions
The demonstrations come amid growing hostility towards migrants and as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party surges in opinion polls. Hotels housing asylum seekers have increasingly been targeted by protests.
Robinson, who has multiple criminal convictions, was widely believed to have lost influence. But his profile has risen sharply since his X (formerly Twitter) account was reinstated in late 2023 after Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform.
Free Speech Debate
The protests unfolded against the backdrop of national debate over free speech and policing culture wars. Recent arrests, including that of comedy writer Graham Linehan for allegedly insulting transgender people online, have fuelled controversy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged police to prioritise “serious issues,” while Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley argued that “toxic cultural debates” should not be policed.
With thousands of police officers drafted in, Saturday’s events passed under tight security, with authorities ordering both rallies to conclude by evening.
