Trafalgar Square Hosts Far-Right Rally Amid Counter-Protests
- Thousands of supporters gathered in London to participate in a march for Tommy Robinson, a controversial figure known for his far-right activism.
- Police implemented a significant operation to maintain order between the main demonstration and counter-protests.
- The event has sparked debates about free speech, political extremism, and public safety.
Thousands of supporters of far-right activist Tommy Robinson gathered in Trafalgar Square, London, following a march, prompting a significant police operation aimed at maintaining order. The Metropolitan Police implemented measures to prevent serious disruptions, coinciding with a Trans Pride event taking place in the city. Robinson, addressing the crowd, expressed disappointment that Reform leader Nigel Farage could not attend, while supporters cheered in response to his inquiries about their voting choices in the recent general election. Nearby, an anti-racist counter-protest unfolded, with demonstrators holding placards that proclaimed "no to racism, no to hatred" and chanting "we won't be silent." The police reported five arrests during the events, including two men suspected of grievous bodily harm after an assault on a participant in the Stand Up To Racism demonstration. The victim received first aid for a head injury sustained during the incident. In addition to the arrests, a member of the public was detained for allegedly assaulting a steward at the Trans Pride event, while another man faced charges for assaulting an emergency worker and a racially aggravated public order offense. To ensure safety, police barricaded key areas and deployed one thousand officers, utilizing the Public Order Act to enforce strict conditions on the protests' timing and locations. Tommy Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is set to face contempt proceedings at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday, following allegations of continuing to discuss a libel case he lost in 2021.