London is preparing for a significant and potentially volatile weekend as a large far-right rally, organized by activist Stephen Lennon (widely known as Tommy Robinson), is set to take place in the city center. The event, billed as a “free speech festival,” is anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Britain in decades and is expected to draw tens of thousands of attendees.
The rally has garnered attention for its roster of high-profile international speakers. Among those listed to appear are Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to Donald Trump, and Joey Mannarino, a right-wing American commentator. European representation includes figures from Germany’s AfD party and a Polish far-right MEP. A prominent figure from the UK, Ant Middleton, a former special forces soldier who has increasingly embraced far-right rhetoric, is also scheduled to speak. Questions remain about the attendance of Canadian academic Jordan Peterson, who is listed but has not recently publicized his involvement.
The event’s organizer, Tommy Robinson, has been actively using the recent fatal shooting of a man named Charlie Kirk in the United States to mobilize support. In online videos, Robinson made unsubstantiated claims about the killing, despite a suspect having been promptly arrested by U.S. authorities. (*Fact Check: Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, in connection with the shooting. There is no evidence to support claims of involvement by any “organisation, corporation or government.”*)
A significant focus has been placed on the monetization of the event, with reports indicating Robinson has engaged in extensive merchandising and fundraising appeals with a goal of nearly £300,000. The rally also marks a political step for Robinson, who has recently joined the fledgling party Advance UK, founded by former senior members of Reform UK.
In response, a substantial counter-protest organized by Stand Up to Racism, featuring MPs Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott, will march to Whitehall. Abbott warned, “The far right are a menace to the whole of society. Their first targets, asylum seekers and Muslims, are broadening to all migrants, black people and on to trade unionists, all religious minorities and anti-racists.”
The Metropolitan Police have implemented a major public order operation for the day. Authorities have imposed a pause on police leave to ensure sufficient resources are available, citing past violence at events involving Robinson. Commander Clair Haynes, leading the operation, directly addressed concerns within London’s Muslim communities, stating, “There have been some suggestions that Muslim Londoners should change their behaviour this Saturday… That is not our advice. Everyone should be able to feel safe travelling into and around London.”
The rally will commence with a march from Waterloo to the southern end of Whitehall, while the counter-protest will march from Russell Square to the northern end of the same street. The police emphasized that their operation also accounts for multiple other events happening across London, including football fixtures, and are prepared to ensure public safety throughout the city.