Far-Right Rally Sparks Clashes Outside Downing Street

LONDON, Sept. 14, 2025 - Hundreds of far-right protesters converged on Downing Street today for the “Unite the Kingdom” rally, clashing with police and resulting in 25 arrests and injuries to 26 officers. Thousands of counter-demonstrators rallied nearby, prompting heavy deployments to keep the groups apart.

Nut Graf The event, billed by organizer Tommy Robinson as Britain’s “biggest free speech festival,” underscored deepening anti-immigration sentiment amid surging support for hard-right parties. With London’s political heart at the epicenter, authorities faced one of the largest and most volatile demonstrations in recent memory.

Rally and Riot

  • Up to 150,000 protesters draped in English and Union flags marched over Westminster Bridge to gather on Whitehall approaches and outside Number 10, where speeches were delivered via stages and video link.
  • Far-right figures from Europe and North America-including Elon Musk, speaking remotely, and French nationalist Éric Zemmour-urged attendees to resist what they termed uncontrolled migration.
  • Police formed cordons to protect Downing Street and separate a counter-protest of roughly 5,000 anti-racism activists. Tensions escalated when some marchers attempted to breach “sterile areas” earmarked for safety.

Violence and Arrests

  • Officers endured kicks, punches, and projectiles-bottles, flares and other debris-and sustained injuries ranging from broken bones to concussions.
  • Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned “unacceptable violence” and vowed that participants engaging in criminal acts “will face the full force of the law.”
  • Arrests included violent disorder and assault; police anticipate additional charges following video review and crowd identification.

Political Fallout

  • Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood denounced assaults on officers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to law and order.
  • Labour veteran Diane Abbott, at the counter-protest, warned against the “dangerous lies” fanned by the far right and called for solidarity with asylum seekers.
  • The demonstration follows months of anti-immigrant protests targeting hotels housing migrants, as Reform UK polls ahead of Parliament’s next sitting.

What’s Next London’s Metropolitan Police will maintain an elevated presence near government buildings, with investigations into today’s clashes ongoing. Downing Street officials are reviewing security protocols as political leaders assess the rising tide of extremist mobilization on Britain’s streets.