Thousands of people gathered in London for various demonstrations over the weekend, which led to the arrest of at least nine individuals. The events included a Stand Up To Racism march, a demonstration organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and a Trans Pride protest.
During the Stand Up To Racism protest, two men were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to a participant, who suffered a head injury. Additionally, arrests were made for assaulting a steward at the Trans Pride event, criminal damage, racially aggravated public order offenses, assault on an emergency worker, and assault on emergency workers outside a pub in Whitehall.
The Metropolitan Police also reported investigating videos depicting racist and anti-Muslim chants at the demonstrations. To prevent serious disruptions, police used powers under the Public Order Act to keep opposing groups apart.
Chief superintendent Colin Wingrove emphasized that police would intervene decisively to address any violations of the strict conditions set for the protests. Demonstrators at Tommy Robinson’s rally marched from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square, chanting patriotic slogans and waving flags, including Israeli flags.
Meanwhile, counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, calling for an end to British weapons supplies to Israel. The counter-protest received support from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), 11 other trade unions, Jeremy Corbyn’s Stop the War Coalition, Peace & Justice Project, and Unite Against Fascism.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, addressed the crowds at Trafalgar Square, where actor and political activist Lawrence Fox was also spotted among the attendees. The demonstrations highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding issues of racism, nationalism, and political activism in the UK.
