London: The Metropolitan police are set to deploy extra officers on Saturday, September 13, as right-wing, anti-immigrant protesters and opposing anti-racism demonstrators stage rival rallies, raising concerns over possible clashes.
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, organized by anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, is scheduled to gather near Waterloo Bridge before proceeding to the southern end of Whitehall, where a rally will take place.
The march is expected to mourn Charlie Kirk, the American conservative activist who was shot dead on September 10, while giving a talk at a university in Utah.
Hours before the march and patriots as far as the eye can see already.
Love it ❤️ 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/O0PT68y00s
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) September 13, 2025
A counter-protest organized by ‘Stand Up To Racism’ will assemble at the opposite end of Whitehall, London’s main thoroughfare toward Parliament. To prevent confrontations, barriers by the Police will be in place to separate the groups.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that more than 1,600 officers will be deployed across London on Saturday, September 13, including 500 reinforcements from other forces, due to the rallies coinciding with high-profile events, such as the West Ham vs Tottenham football match, concerts, and other gatherings. About 1,000 officers will be dedicated specifically to policing the marches.
Commander Clair Haynes, who is leading the operation, stated that, “We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur.” Last week, nearly 900 people were arrested at a demonstration against the ban on the group Palestine Action.
Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, surpassing economic concerns, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims and migrant arrivals by small boats across the Channel, including over 28,000 this year.
Responding to mounting public criticism over immigration, Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently appointed Shabana Mahmood as Britain’s new interior minister in a government reshuffle.
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