Kiwis Rally Against Far-Right Surge

Massive Anti-Far-Right Demonstration Fills London Streets

An estimated half a million people converged on London on Saturday, marking what organisers hailed as the “biggest demonstration ever against the far right.” The colossal march saw protesters carrying placards with slogans such as “No to racism, no to Trump,” and “Refugees welcome,” winding their way through the capital towards Whitehall, under a significant police presence.

Organisers declared their success in vastly outnumbering a previous rally led by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), titled “Unite the Kingdom,” held in September. That demonstration had drawn an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 attendees, with a counter-demonstration against racism involving approximately 5,000 people. The September event was marred by several incidents of violent disorder, which resulted in injuries to some police officers. At the time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the rally, stating it had left people feeling “more scared than they were before.”

In stark contrast, Saturday’s gathering was described by its organisers as a “peaceful” demonstration against “hatred and division and racism.”

A Powerful Show of Unity and Determination

Kevin Courtney, a co-organiser of the rally and chairman of the coalition, addressed the crowds assembled on Whitehall. “Our estimate is now that there are half a million people on this demonstration – the biggest demonstration ever against the far right,” he announced. “And it gives us all confidence to carry on. Thank you very much.”

Among the prominent speakers was former Labour MP Diane Abbott, now an independent Member of Parliament. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, she proclaimed, “The turnout today is the largest anti-racist march that I have seen in my lifetime, and you should all be proud of yourselves for coming out in such numbers today.”

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of the Together Alliance and co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism, highlighted the “unprecedented growth” in support for far-right organisations within the UK. However, she expressed confidence that the sheer scale of Saturday’s attendance had served to “intimidate the far right” and deter any potential counter-protests.

“The Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom demonstration back in September 2025 was the biggest far-right mobilisation in British history,” Dhalu stated prior to the event. “We believe that the majority of British people stand against the hatred and division and racism that was being encouraged at that demonstration and by these types of organisations, and it’s time to act.”

When questioned about concerns regarding potential counter-protests and disorder, Ms. Dhalu conveyed optimism. “We’re confident that the size of our mobilisation here today has actually intimidated the far-right, and I think they feel that they are not confident enough to stand against us because they know that we’re going to be out in big numbers.”

Voices Against Division and Discrimination

Singer Billy Bragg, who had earlier criticised US President Donald Trump as “a constant reminder of the cruel realities of the politics of division,” performed protest songs at Whitehall. Bragg acknowledged that while some concerns regarding migration might be valid, the proposed solutions were “not justifiable in any way or sort.” He drew a parallel to the United States, warning, “Re migration, the forced deportation of our fellow citizens, we’ve seen what that looks like in the United States of America. And if it does come to that in this country then we will have to be as courageous as the people of Minneapolis who stood in the streets to deny (deportations).”

Organisers estimated that approximately 20,000 people had gathered in Trafalgar Square for a related event featuring musical performances, including former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock. A separate contingent of around a thousand people marched specifically against Christian nationalism.

The Bishop of Croydon, Rosemarie Mallett, spoke at a church service preceding the main demonstration, affirming her solidarity with “all people of goodwill who seek to build diverse and inclusive communities.” She and other Christians, she stated, are “committed to building bridges rather than barriers and to living out Jesus’s command to love our neighbours.”

This initiative follows a December event where Robinson led another “Unite The Kingdom” gathering, which included a carol concert with the stated aim of “put[ting] the Christ back into Christmas.” Earlier this year, several Church of England bishops publicly rejected the “use of Christian symbols” by individuals seeking to intimidate others, amid community unease over the display of St George’s and Union flags.

As Saturday’s main rally commenced, a small group of around 10 counter-protesters were heard shouting. One individual in this group was seen carrying an Israeli flag.

Separately, a march organised by the Palestine Coalition also proceeded, eventually joining the route of the Together Alliance before the groups coalesced for the rally on Whitehall.

Metropolitan Police officers implemented public order conditions, prohibiting the continuation of the joint rally beyond 5 pm.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), speaking before the Together demonstration, accused some individuals in positions of power of “using racism to feather their own nests.” He described a “toxic climate that is taking place in society” which infiltrates schools, leading to an observed “increase in racist incidents, whether that’s directed towards teachers and support staff, or pupil-on-pupil, so it’s incredibly difficult at the moment.”

Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell acknowledged that it would be a “busy weekend for our officers,” but assured that “detailed plans [were] in place to ensure all groups protesting this weekend can do so lawfully and without causing serious disruption to other Londoners, businesses or visitors.”

In addition to the large-scale demonstration, the Metropolitan Police noted that a number of protests targeting the Iranian regime, comprising both static assemblies and marches, were scheduled to take place in the Westminster area over both Saturday and Sunday.