Tens of thousands march in London in separate anti-immigration, pro Palestinian protests

In the first demonstration, tens of thousands of people marched in Central London, protesting against excessive levels of immigration, while thousands more rallied in another march in support of the Palestinians.

Four thousand policemen were drafted in for the rallies, along with additional police officers from outside the city, promising “the most assertive possible use of our powers” in the largest public order event in many years.

By 1200 GMT, just after both demonstrations started, police reported 11 arrests on various charges. They previously estimated that at least 80,000 people would attend the demonstrations.

Elizabeth Tower is seen behind a protester waving a flag as activists participate in a "Unite the Kingdom" rally organized by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, May 16, 2026. REUTERS

On Thursday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused the organisers of the "Unite the Kingdom" rally of “peddling hate and division, plain and simple".

The demonstration was organized by anti-Islamic activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson. The government has refused entry into Britain to 11 individuals it identified as “foreign far-right agitators.”