At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured — four seriously — after a large right-wing demonstration led by Tommy Robinson descended into violent clashes in central London on Saturday, police and organisers said.
Organisers said up to 150,000 people took part in a march billed as the "Unite the Kingdom" rally and framed by many participants as a defence of free speech. The demonstration, which several outlets described as the largest right-wing protest in British history, took place days after the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, an event organisers and some participants blamed for heightening tensions around the event.
Scotland Yard said the Metropolitan Police mounted a major operation, deploying about 1,000 officers and drawing a further 500 from forces across the country, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Devon and Cornwall. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist told reporters officers had "policed without fear or favour" while responding to what he described as "unacceptable violence," including assaults on officers with kicks, punches and thrown missiles.
Police said officers used batons and physically restrained demonstrators as they worked to restore order. Witnesses and video circulating on social media showed multiple confrontations between police and groups of protesters as the march moved through central thoroughfares, with some participants pushing against police lines.
Metropolitan Police confirmed that the 25 people arrested face a range of offences related to public order. Injured officers received treatment at the scene and in hospitals; the force said four sustained serious injuries. The force has said it will continue to gather evidence and review body-worn video and other material as part of an ongoing investigation into the day's events.
Organisers promoted the rally as a defence of free speech and as a response to perceived threats to British national unity. Authorities said the assassination of Charlie Kirk earlier in the week contributed to an already-charged atmosphere and drew larger crowds than anticipated.
Law enforcement officials said considerable planning preceded the event. Additional officers were drafted in from across English police forces to support the Metropolitan Police, and public transport services and road closures were implemented in central London for much of the day. Despite the large policing presence, confrontations repeated across the route, prompting officers to take tactical action to contain and disperse groups.
The scale of the demonstration has prompted renewed debate over policing tactics at mass political events. The Daily Mail ran a poll asking readers whether police were "too heavy-handed" in their response to the demonstration; the poll invitation noted Scotland Yard's continuing investigation into police conduct and the event's policing operation.
Metropolitan Police said it would review body-camera footage and other evidence to determine whether the use of force by officers was appropriate and proportionate. The force urged anyone with information or footage relating to alleged offences to come forward.
Political figures, civil liberties groups and community leaders were expected to issue statements and requests for inquiries following the unrest. Police said they will liaise with victims and affected communities as the investigation proceeds and will provide updates as arrests are processed and charges considered.
The events in central London mark one of the most significant public-order challenges for the Metropolitan Police in recent years and have underscored tensions in Britain over political demonstrations, public safety and the limits of protest at a time of heightened national and international controversy.